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TIE MNEKAL SPEINGS 



UNITED STATES AHD CANADA. 



" Whatever may be said of them, mineral waters are not simple medicaments ; what- 
ever may be the predominant mineralizing agent, as demonstrated by analysis, it acts not 
alone. Nature, in combining with the more or less notable elements which chemistry may 
isolate, other exceedingly variable ingredients and principles, which have not yet been dis- 
covered, has done for this mineralized agent that which we seek to imitate each day in our 
prescriptions, when we endeavor to reenforce or diminish the effect of a medical substance 
by associating others with it." — Trousseau, Clinique Medicale, tome hi., p. 58. 

" All substances administered in powder are active in proportion to the fineness of their 
division. Hence solutions, which are only minuter divisions of substances than powders, 
act more rapidly and energetically on the system at large than the latter, while their local 
action is less intense. On these accounts natural mineral waters are much more active than 
artificial solutions containing the same ingredients." — Sttlle, Therapeutics and Materia 
Medica, vol. i., p. 75. 



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MINERAL SPRINGS 



UNITED STATES AND CANADA, 



ANALYSES AND NOTES 

ON THE 

PROMINENT SPAS OF EUROPE, 

- 

AND A LIST OF 

SEA-SIDE RESORTS 



/ 



BY 



GEO. E. WALTON, M. D., 



COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE STATE OF OHIO ON " THEBAPEimCS 
OF MINERAL SPRINGS." 



SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. 



NEW YORK: 
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 

549 AND 551 BROADWAY. 

1874. 















49236 

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, 

By GEO. E. WALTON, M. D., 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



■i \.F to in j 



9. 



PKEFACE TO SECOND EDITION". 



The author desires to return his thanks for the very 
favorable reception accorded the first edition, both by the 
profession and the public. He hopes he has been able, in 
some measure, to systematize a subject previously in a cha- 
otic condition. But much remains to be done in the way of 
investigation of the special action — the individuality — of each 
spring, and he requests his professional brethren to assist by 
studying closely the waters under their immediate supervi- 
sion and recording the results. 

The present edition contains an Appendix, in which will 
be found analyses of *a number of springs not analyzed when 
the first edition was issued, and notices of some not hereto- 
fore mentioned. 

224 Laurel Street, 

Cincinnati, June 6, 1874. 



PEEFAOE 



For many years the author has desired to know whether 
there are any medicinal virtues in mineral waters. He has 
been accustomed to hear mineral springs mentioned with a 
smile by the majority of the members of the medical profes- 
sion in the United States, while, on the other hand, patients 
are continually seeking springs without consulting their phy- 
sician. Occasionally he has known medical gentlemen admit 
that patients afflicted with inveterate chronic diseases have 
resorted to mineral springs, and much to their surprise re- 
turned cured. Between this incredulity of the profession, and 
credulity of the public, he has thought there may be a medium 
of truth. He knew that medical men of experience abroad 
frequently recommended their patients to visit certain spas 
for the relief of their maladies. That very eminent French 
physician, Trousseau, devoted much time to writing a work, 
in company with Laseque, entitled " Etudes Therapeutiques 
sur les Eaux Minerales des Bords du Rhin," and, throughout 
his clinical work, as well as the able work of Prof. Niemeyer, 
mineral waters are assigned an important place in the treat- 
ment of many chronic diseases. With impressions derived 
from such facts, the author sought libraries and book-stores 



vi PKEFACE. 

for information concerning the mineral springs of the United 
States, but found little or none. 

In this volume the author has endeavored to arrange all 
the known facts concerning mineral waters, in such manner 
that they shall be readily accessible. For this purpose he 
has consulted the best European authors, their conclusions 
being drawn from hundreds of years of laborious investiga- 
tion of the spas of Germany, France, Switzerland, and Italy. 
It has been interesting in the course of this study to note 
how closely the conclusions drawn by them, concerning the 
action of different classes of waters, agree with the observa- 
tions made at springs in this country independent of- any 
knowledge of foreign research. The portion relating to the 
springs of the United States is the result of a selection of 
credible evidence regarding them, gained by correspondence 
and personal observation. Acknowledgment should here be 
made to Stephen Powers, Esq., of California, who has so 
greatly aided in procuring information concerning the springs 
of that State. 

To facilitate comparison, the analyses of all the springs 
have been reduced to the wine pint, the original analyses 
from which they are taken being based on the wine gallon, 
the imperial gallon, the litre, a thousand parts, etc. Wher- 
ever the alkaline carbonates were estimated as bicarbonates 
in the original analysis, they have been reduced to carbonates. 
The carbonate of iron is always understood to be. the carbon- 
ate of the protoxide. In two or three of the analyses the 
uncombined elements were given, but the acids and bases 
have been combined according to approved methods, and the 
resultant salts appear. In some instances the springs were 
analyzed many years ago, previous to important discoveries 



PREFACE. v ii 

in chemical science, and the water should be reanalyzed ; for, 
although the analysis of a water does not indicate its absolute 
medical value, nevertheless, in many instances, it is an ex- 
ceedingly important guide to its use. All waters of value 
should be thoroughly analyzed ; and, though we cannot then 
account for their action, let us not close our eyes or ignore 
their efficacy, if such there be, but continue the search for 
the unknown quantities that elude our vision. 

Although this country does not seem to present a com- 
plete list of the various classes of waters, still, for the treat- 
ment of many diseases, we have waters equal to any in the 
world, and one potent subdivision, the aluminous chalybeates 
(alum-waters), are found nowhere but in America of equal 
strength. However, when the waters of the Pacific coast 
shall be thoroughly analyzed, doubtless we shall find some of 
them equal the celebrated alkaline thermals of Vichy, and the 
muriated-alkaline thermals of Ems. 

The list of springs is thought to be complete, but a few 
omissions may have occurred. The author will consider him- 
self under obligations to any one who will favor him with 
information of springs not mentioned, however remote, pro- 
vided they have been improved for public resort. 

No. 224 Lattbel Street, 

Cincinnati, December, 1872. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTEE I. 

HTSTOBIOAL. 

Mineral Springs of Ancient Greece— Of Ancient Italy — Eoman Baths— Baths of Caracalla— 
Method of Bathing — Perfumes — Laws regulating the Baths — Baiae — Mediaeval Baths — 
Description of Baden, in Switzerland, in 1420 and 1570 — Description of Bath, England^ 
in 1668 — Modern Baths— Leuk, in Switzerland — Gambling at Baden-Baden . Page 1 

CHAPTEE II 

MINEBAL WATEES. 

Definition of Mineral "Water— Pure "Water— Eiver Water— Analyses of Eivers— Schuylkill— 
Croton— Charles — St. Lawrence— Origin of Springs — Due to Meteoric "Water — Solvent 
Power of Water on Eocks — Formation of Springs — Saratoga — Tuscan Springs — Ascend- 
ing Springs— Descending Springs — Intermittent Springs— Physical Characteristics of 
Water— Color— Odor— Taste— Texture — Temperature— Electricity— Magnetism . 14 

CHAPTEE III. 

CLASSIFICATION. 

Its Necessity— Different Methods — Chemical Classification— The German— The French- 
Difficulties of Application— The Classification adopted 82 

CHAPTEE IV. 

ACTION OP MTNEEAL -WATEES. 

Many visit Springs for Eecreation alone — Quackish Advertising of Springs — Influence of 
Change of Air— Change of Scene— Objections on account of Uncertainty of Composition 
— Artificial Preparations not considered — Action of Ordinary Water— Necessity of Wa- 
ter in the Organism— Absorption — Diunetic Action — Cold Water increases Peristaltic 
Action of the Intestines — Immediate Action of Mineral Waters-^-Stimulant, Sedative, 
Eliminant, Eemote Action— Alterative— Theory of Alterative Action — Alterative Action 
of each Mineral Water differs— Bath Fever — Action of Thermal Waters— Bath Erup- 
tions — Quotation from Trousseau . . 36 

CHAPTEE V. 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 

Impropriety of ignoring the Chemical Constituents of Mineral Waters — Demonstration by 
Struve that Waters are impregnated from the Constituents of Eocks— The Constitu- 



x CONTEXTS. 

ents of Mineral Waters usually invariable — Peculiar Variation of the Springs of Saxon 
Switzerland— Sudden Changes from Earthquakes— Deposits from Mineral Waters — 
Constituents : Carbonates and Bicarbonates of Soda, Potassa, Magnesia, Lime, Lithia, 
Strontia, Iron, Manganese ; Chlorides of Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, 
Iron, Caesium, Eubidium ; Sulphates of Soda, Magnesia, Lime, Potassa, Iron, Alumina; 
Iodides of Potassium, Sodium — Bromides — Phosphates — Silicates — Boracic Acid — Bo- 
rate of Soda — Fluorides— Nitrates — Arsenic — Crenic and Apocrenic Acid— Organic Sub- 
stances : Baregine, Glairine, Sulfurine, Microscopic Algae — Carbonic Acid— Sulphuretted 
Hydrogen— Carburetted Hydrogen — Oxygen and Nitrogen .... Page 48 

CHAPTEK VI. 

THERAPEUTICS. 

Mineral Waters only applicable to Chronic Diseases— Appropriate Stage of Disease for using 
Waters— Eheumatism — Gout — Syphilis— Metallic Poisoning — Diabetes Mellitus— Inter- 
mittent Fever — Chronic Dysentery — Anasarca — Cancer — Scrofula — Chlorosis — Hemi- 
plegia — Paraplegia — Locomotor Ataxia — Neuralgia — Hysteria — Hypochondria — Chronic 
Laryngitis — Chronic Pharyngitis— Chronic Bronchitis— Asthma— Consumption — Dys- 
pepsia — Gastritis — Gastric Ulcer — Gastralgia — Constipation — Haemorrhoids — Engorged 
Liver — Gall-Stones — Fatty Liver — Jaundice — Gravel — Calculus— Vesical Catarrh— Al- 
buminuria— Chronic Metritis— Amenorrhosa — Dysmenorrhoea— Leucorrhoea— Sterility — 
Eczema — Lichen — Psoriasis — Pityriasis — Scrofulides — Syphilides— Anchylosis— Con- 
tractions — Hydrarthrosis— Coxalgia — Caries — Ulcers — Old Wounds ... 66 

CHAPTEE VII. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

Prescription of Mineral Waters— Choice of a Eesort — The Season — Bottled Waters — Ex- 
tracts of Waters— Amusements — Time for drinking the Waters— Quantity— Prepar- 
atory Treatment— Boileau's Experience in 1487 — Temperance in Diet— Duration of 
Treatment— Impropriety of changing from Spring to Spring — Eesident Physician to be 
consulted— Time for Baths— Alibert's Advice— The Whey-Cure — The Grape-Cure 111 

CHAPTEE VIII. 



Anatomy— True Skin — Epidermis — Sweat-Glands— Sebaceous Glands— Functions of the 
Skin — Absorptions— Transpiration 120 

CHAPTEE IX 



Cold Bath— Temperate Baths— Tepid Bath— Warm Bath— Hot Bath— Vapor-Bath— Eus- 
sian Bath— Hot-Air Bath — Turkish Bath— Douches : Descending, Ascending, Fan, 
Eing, Universal— Spout-Bath— Sitz-Bath— Foot-Bath— Mineral Mud-Bath— Medicated 
Baths-Carbonic-Acid Bath 127 



CHAPTEE X. 

ALKALINE WATERS. 

Prominent Constituents— Action— Diseases to which they are applicable— Springs : Bla- 
don, Congress, California; California Seltzer, Perry, Versailles, St. Louis, Michigan; 
Lower Soda, Oregon; Sheldon, Central, Vermont, Missisquoi, Middletown, Welden, 
Eockbridge Baths, Capon . ' • 144 



CONTENTS. xi 

CHAPTER XI. 

SALINE WATEES. 

Prominent Constituents — Action — Diseases to which they are applicable — Brines — Springs: 

' St. Catharines, Caledonia, Plantagenet, Lansing, Spring Lake, Fruit Port, St. Louis, 

Missouri ; Saratoga, Ballston, Albany, "Wilhoits, Charleston . . . Page 160 

CHAPTER XII. 

SULPHUR-WATERS. 

Prominent Constituents— Action— Diseases to which they are applicable — Springs : Blount, 
Sandwich, Caledonia, Charlotsville, Piedmont, "White Sulphur, California ; Vallejo White 
Sulphur, Green-Cove, Indian, Georgia ; French Lick, West Baden, Indian, Indiana ; 
Lafayette, Lodi, Trinity, Upper Blue Lick, Lower Blue Lick, Paroquet, Big Bone, 
Olympian, Estill, Louisville, Drennon, Bedford, White Sulphur and Tar, White Sulphur, 
Louisiana ; De Soto, Alpena, Sharon, Massena, Chittenango, Eichfield, Avon, Clifton, 
Cherry Valley, Columbia, Dryden, White Sulphur, New York; Longmuirs, Shocco, 
Warren, White Sulphur, North Carolina ; White Sulphur, Ohio ; Minnequa, York, Car- 
lisle, Glenn, Sitka, Alburg, Highgate, Newbury, Jordans, Yellow, Virginia; Buffalo, 
Stribling, Coyners, Egglestons, Botetourt, Cold White, Montgomery White, Fauquier 
White, Eoanoke Red, Huguenot, Burner's, Daggar's, Grayson, Greenbrier White, Salt, 
Red, Blue, 180 

CHAPTER XIII. 

CHALYBEATE WATEES. 

Prominent Constituents — Action — Diseases to which they are applicable — Springs : Bailey, 
Fry, Stafford, Catoosa, Madison, Greencastle, Knightstown, Schuyler County, Illinois ; 
Estill, Hopkinton, Owosso, Cooper's Well, Ocean, Oak Orchard, Sharon, Schooley's 
Mountain, Mineral Springs, New Jersey; Adams County, Ohio; Cresson, Blossburg, 
Fayette, Montvale, Beersheba, Rawley, Sweet Chalybeate, Rockbridge Alum, Bath 
Alum, Stribling, Bedford Alum, Virginia; Church Hill Alum, Pulaski Alum, Va- 
riety "... 235 

CHAPTER XIV. 

PURGATIVE WATERS. 

Prominent Constituents— Action— Diseases to which they are applicable— Springs : Crab- 
Orchard, Harrodsburg, Estill, Midland, Beer, Bedford, Virginia; Elgin . . . 261 

CHAPTER XV. 

t OALOIO WATEES. 

Prominent Constituents— Action— Diseases to which they are applicable— Springs : Eaton 
Rapids, Butterworth, Hubbardston, Leslie, Yellow, Gettysburg, Clarendon, Alleghany, 
Holston, Berkeley, Sweet, Bethesda 268 

CHAPTER XVI. 

THERMAL WATERS. 

Prominent Characteristics— Action— Diseases to which they are applicable— Sjirings : Hot, 
Arkansas ; Calistoga, Geysers, California; Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Warner's Ranch, 
San Bernardino, Skagg's, Gilroy, Lake Tahoe, Idaho, Middle Park, Warm, Georgia ; 
Warm, North Carolina ; Agua Caliente, New Mexico ; Lebanon, Puebla, Volcano, Des 
Chutes, Salt Lake, Hot, Virginia ; Warm, Virginia ; Healing, American Geysers . 284 



xii CONTENTS. 



OHAPTEE XVII. 

UNCLASSIFIED WATERS. 

Springs : Summit Soda, Alabaster, Vichy, Tuscan, Bartlett, Adams, California ; Napa Soda, 
Harbines, San Rafael, Crystal, Rocky Mountain, St. Leon, Varennes, Orange, Bethesda, 
Georgia ; Latonia, Togus, Berkshire Soda, Grand Ledge, Flints, Bircb-Dale, Abenaquis, 
Amherst, Bradford, Vallonia, Piedmont, Elgin, Cappers, Orkney, Blue Ridge, Parkers- 
burg, Sbannondale Page 331 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

EUROPEAN SPAS. 

Alkaline Waters : Vicby, Ems, Fachingen — Saline Waters : Homburg, Kissingen, Wies- 
baden, Baden-Baden, Bourbonne, Selters— Brine-Baths : Kreuznach, Nauheim— Sul- 
phur- Waters : Aix-la-Chapelle, Aix-les-Bains, Bareges, Baneres-de-Luchon, Nenndorf, 
Meinberg— Chalybeate Waters: Scbwalbach, Pyrmont, Spa, St.-Moritz — Purgative 
Waters: Piillna, Friedrichshall, Sedlitz, Carlsbad, Marionbad, Franzensbad — Calcic 
Waters: Contrexville, Bagneres-de-Bigorre, Leuk, Wildungen— Thermal Waters: 
Gastein, Toplitz, Scblangenbad, Plombieres . . 341 

CHAPTER XIX. 

SEA-SIDE EESOET8. 

The Sea — Sea-Air — Analysis of Sea-Water— Phosphorescence— Temperature — Sea-Bath — 
Resuscitation from Drowning— Resorts : Cushing 1 s Island, Rye, Hampton, Swampscott, 
Nahant, Chelsea, Newport, Narragansett Pier, Long Branch, Coney Island, Rockaway, 
Cape May, Atlantic City 373 



Appendix, . • • • ••..».. 883 

General Index; • • • ♦ • • 40T 



MINEEAL SPRINGS 



CHAPTER I 

HISTORICAL. 



The pages of ancient authors frequently contain records 
of resorts where the sick bathed in healing waters or drank 
of medicinal fountains. In Greece the temples of iEscula- 
pius were frequently erected near springs reputed to possess 
curative power. The ancient Athenians, during the summer 
months, sought the thermal — saline — sulphur baths of iEdipsus 
in the island of Eubcea, about sixty miles by sea from Athens. 
They have been known from remotest antiquity, and are a 
favorite resort at the present day. During the Mithridatic 
war, Sylla sought them, and Strabo tells us (book i., chap, 
iii., Proleg.) that, following an earthquake, these waters dis- 
appeared for three days, and reappeared at several different 
points. On the opposite side of the channel from iEdipsus, 
on the main-land, is the celebrated pass of Thermopylae, so 
named from the hot sulphur-springs in the vicinity. They 
flow from the base of Mount GEta, and fall into the sea. 
Springs formed a favorite site for the establishment of tem- 
ples. Near the Temple of Jupiter Ammon was an intermit- 
tent spring (Herodotus iv., 181). Delphi had its Fountain of 
Casotis (Pausanius x., 24, § 7), and these waters, now known 
as St. Nicholas, rise south of Lesche, and flow beneath the 
Temple of Apollo. 

In the pages of Latin writers we frequently meet with»allu- 



2 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

sions to medicinal springs, testifying the esteem in which they 
were held by the Romans. Horace, in describing the ficti- 
tious fame that the cold-water cure obtained at Rome, under 
the influence of a charlatan named Musa, speaks thus : 

" Of Yelia and Salemum tell me, pray, 
The climate and the natives, and the way ; 
For Baiae now is lost on me, and I, 
Once its stanch friend, am now its enemy, 
Through Musa's fault, who makes me undergo 
His cold-bath treatment, spite of frost and snow 
Good sooth, the town is filled with spleen to see 
Its steamy baths attract no company ; 
To find its sulphur-wells, which found out pain 
From joint and sinew, treated with disdain 
By chests and heads, now grown so bold 
They brave cold water in the depth of cold ; 
And finding down at Clusium what they want, 
Or Gabbi, say, make that their winter haunt." 

(Epist. i., 15. Conington's Translation of Horace.) 

Unfortunately for Musa, the ill success of his mode of treat- 
ment soon caused a return to the mineral waters of Baiae, 
which continued to be sought by multitudes, and are resorted 
to at the present day. 

Pliny tells us in his Natural History (book xxxi., § 1) that 
all waters are gifts of the earth. He says : " They spring 
wholesome from the earth on every side and in a thousand 
lands; the cold, the hot, the hot and cold together, as at 
Tarbellum (Dax) in Aquitania, or in the Pyrenees, where they 
are separated only by a small interval, or yet the warm and 
tepid, announcing relief to the sick, and flowing from the 
earth only for man, of all living things. Under various names 
they add to the number of divinities, and establish villages." 
He also names the diseases for which certain waters were 
considered beneficial — the springs of Sineusa for sterility ; 
those of iEnaria (Ischia, of to-day) for calculous affections. 
Of the latter, it is said by a late writer : " The attractions of 
this.country and its waters are sufficient to merit with us the 



HISTORICAL. 3 

popularity they enjoyed with the ancients, and which is testi- 
fied by numerous Latin inscriptions." 

When the seat of the Roman Empire was transferred to 
the East, the well-known baths of Brusa, about sixty miles 
from Constantinople, were developed ; and at this day they are 
the most celebrated baths in the Orient. Wherever the Ro- 
mans penetrated the then Western wilds of Europe, they 
sought out the mineral springs of the country, and we find re- 
mains of their baths at Aix in Savoy, Aix in Provence ; Ba- 
gneres de Bigorre and Bagneres de Luchon in the Pyrenees, 
Alhama and Caldas in Spain, Wiesbaden, Baden in Switzer- 
land, and at Bath, or Aqua Solis, in England. The Latin 
word aqua, changed into Acqui, Aigues, Aix, Ax, and Dax, 
as applied to modern towns, remains to tell of their early 
celebrity as watering-places. 

If there were historic records of the barbarous tribes of 
Germania, Gallia, and Hispania, we would doubtless learn that 
the same fountains were held in esteem by them which were 
subsequently resorted to by the Romans. 

In' the brilliant days of imperial Rome, bathing formed a 
chief enjoyment of patrician and plebeian. The luxury of 
warm bathing was indulged in to such excess that at one time 
eight hundred thermae could be counted within the city, and 
several of these would accommodate three thousand bathers 
at one time. Many of these structures covered entire squares, 
and were adorned with every architectural beauty. An ap- 
proach to them showed beautiful marble porticos supported 
by many-fluted columns, and entering and passing out might 
be seen orators, poets, senators, and sometimes the emperor. 
Within was a labyrinth of marble halls and colonnades deco- 
rated with statuary and mosaics by the masters, and in vari- 
ous spacious chambers scholars discoursed to an attentive 
auditory. Other apartments were devoted to athletic exer- 
cise, which was usually taken before entering the bath. After 
the bath, these who had leisure might pass an hour in the well- 
arranged librae, or saunter in the gardens of rare flowers and 
exotic plants within the enclosure. The grandeur of these 



4 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

structures may be imagined when we are told that the baths 
of Diocletian were the repository of the famous Ulpian Libra- 
ry ; that one of the halls of these baths forms the present 
magnificent Church of the Carthusians ; and that the baths of 
Agrippa had for a vestibule that relic of antiquity so well de- 
scribed by Byron : 

" Simple, erect, severe, austere, sublime — 
Shrine of all saints and temple of all gods, 
From Jove to Jesus — spared and blest by time, 
Looking tranquillity, while falls or nods, 
Arch, empire, each thing round thee, and man plods 
His way through thorns to ashes — glorious dome ! 
Shalt thou not last ? Time's scythe and tyrants' rods 
Shiver upon thee — sanctuary and home 

Of art and piety — Pantheon ! pride of Rome ! " 

Many traces of the Roman baths still remain, but the most 
familiar ruins are those of the baths of Caracalla. They were 
commenced by Antoninus Caracalla about the year A. d. 212. 
Subsequently they were enlarged by Elagabulus, and com- 
pleted by Alexander Severus. They occupy an area nearly a 
mile in circuit, including the enclosure, and the bath-structure 
covered a space seven hundred and twenty feet long and three 
hundred and seventy-five feet wide. Within the enclosure 
were porticos, gardens, a stadium, and a large reservoir into 
which the Antonine Aqueduct emptied, and in front ran the 
Via Novo, one of the most magnificent streets in Rome dur- 
ing the time of the AntonineS. 

On page 5 we insert one-half of the ground-plan taken from 
Bell's work on baths, Dr. Bell having borrowed it from Cam- 
eron's " Baths of the Romans." The other half of the build- 
ing corresponds to this in every particular. 

Outside the bath-building, and within the enclosure, was a 
pavilion for spectators, whence they could see the exercises 
in the open air, apartments for those who had care of the 
baths, exedrse where gymnastic exercises were taught, retir- 
ing-chambers for those who exercised in the stadium, atrias to 



HISTORICAL. 



; h 








THE PLAN OF THE BATHS OP CABA.CALLA. THE SIDE IN THE LINE V X FACING 
THE VIA NOVO : THE OPP08ITE SIDE OPENING ITPON THE GARDENS. 



A. Vestibule on entering the thermae, on each side of which were libraries. 

B. Vestibule for spectators and the clothes of those who were bathing. 

C. Piscina, or large reservoir for swimming. 

D. Peristyle, having a piscina in the middle for warm bathing. 

E. Ephebium, or place for exercise. 

F F. Rooms where the athletae prepared for their exercises. 

G G. Various halls or recesses for the use of those who frequented the baths. 

H. Xystum, or portico for the athletae to exercise under in bad weather. 

K. Exedrae, or large recesses for the use of philosophers. 

L. Eooms for conversation. 

M. Apodyterium, or undressing-room. 

N. Cella Solaris, one hundred and eleven feet in diameter, in which were the labra of the 
baths for ordinary bathing. Spartianus says this apartment could not be equalled by 
the architects of his age ; that the window-lattices were overlaid with brass or copper, 
of which materials the whole vault was made, "and so vast was its extent that learned 
mechanicians declare it impossible to make one like it." 

O. Laconicum, or hot-air bath. 

P. Caldarium, or hot- vapor bath. 

Q. Tepidarium, or tepid- water bath. 

E. Frigidarium, or cold-water bath. 

S. Elaeosthesium, or room for oils. 

T. Conisterium, or room where athletae, after being anointed with oil, were sprinkled with 
dust so they might take surer hold in wrestling. 

U U. Vestibules. 



6 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

the academies, temples, piazzas for the masters to walk in, 
and covered baths for those who did not choose to exercise 
in the xystus. 

It would appear from this description that the baths were 
divided into the warm-water baths — those apartments in which 
the piscinas are located — and the hot-air and vapor-baths com- 
prising the laconicum and the caldarium, which were heated 
to from 110° to 160° Fahr. Many bathers seldom entered 
these apartments. Those who frequented the baths disrobed 
in the ' contiguous • vestibules, and placed their clothing in 
charge of servants, who received small sums of money for 
keeping guard. They then went to the elseosthesium and 
anointed the entire body with a cheap kind of oil, and after- 
ward repaired to one of the many spaces devoted to gymnas- 
tic exercises. After exercising a sufficient time, they entered 
an adjoining warm-bath. Here numbers might be seen seated 
on the marble steps of the bath, which were just below the 
surface of the water. After ablution, they seated themselves 
on these steps and scraped the entire body with the strigil, a 
blunt instrument similar in shape to a small sickle, and made 
of bone, iron, bronze, or silver — most frequently of bronze. 
The wealthy had the operation performed by an attendant 
slave. It is said that it was not an agreeable proceeding, and 
that the Emperor Augustus was a sufferer by having it per- 
formed too roughly. Afterward the bather was washed by 
vases of water poured over him, and then thoroughly dried 
with cotton and linen cloths, and covered with a light shaggy 
mantle called gausape. Fastidious persons of wealth, in ad- 
dition to the process described, had slaves go over their bodies 
with tweezers and pluck out every hair ; the nails of feet and 
hands were then trimmed ; and, finally, highly-perfumed oils in 
vases of alabaster or bronze were brought from the elaeosthe- 
sium, and the entire body, not omitting the soles of the feet, 
was anointed. The clothing was then resumed, and they 
passed into the tepidarium, where they remained some time, 
so as not to be too suddenly chilled on going from the warm 
bath into the external air. The tepidarium in these baths, it 



HISTORICAL. 7 

seems, was only used for this purpose ; water being employed 
only as a convenient method of regulating the temperature 
of the chamber. In smaller thermae, however, and in provin- 
cial cities, this apartment was undoubtedly used for bathing. 
In this description of bathing the laconicum and caldarium 
are omitted. They were sought by those who desired, for 
the purpose of producing excessive perspiration in a similar 
way to the Turkish and Russian baths. 

A word may be said concerning the oils and perfumes. 
They were of great variety, and universally employed, both 
by men and women. The rhodinium, extracted from roses, 
lirinium from the lily, myrrhinum from myrrh, baccarinum 
from foxglove, and cyprinum from the flowers of the privet- 
tree, were favorites. Also, cinnamomium, very costly, made 
from cinnamon, irinum, an oil made from the iris, balaninum, 
the oil of the nuts of the ben-tree found in India and Arabia, 
serpyillinum from wild-thyme, sysymbrium from water-mint, 
amaracinum from sweet-marjoram, nardinum from lavender. 
These scents and oils were used by preference for different 
parts of the body, some being considered best adapted to the 
head, face, and neck, others to the muscles and extremities. 

A story of Hadrian, quoted by most writers on ancient 
baths, is told by Spartianus : " The Emperor Hadrian, who 
went to the public baths and bathed with the common peo- 
ple, seeing one day a veteran, whom he had known among 
the Roman troops, rubbing his back and other parts of his 
body against the marble, asked him why he did so. The 
veteran answered that he had no slave to rub him, whereupon 
the emperor gave him two slaves and wherewithal to maintain 
them. Another day, several old men, enticed by the good for- 
tune of the veteran, rubbed themselves also against the mar- 
ble before the emperor, believing by this means to excite the 
liberality of Hadrian, who, perceiving their drift, caused them 
to be told to rub each other." 

In addition to the large number of public baths, there were 
many private baths in the residences of wealthy citizens. 
Seneca, when contrasting the luxuries of his own day with 



8 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

the simplicity of the republic, describes them thus : " That 
person is now held to be poor and sordid whose walls shine 
not with a profusion of the most costly materials, the marbles 
of Egypt inlaid with those of Numidia ; unless the walls are 
set with mosaics in imitation of painting ; unless the cham- 
bers are covered with glass ; unless the Thracian stone, for- 
merly a rare sight even in temples, surrounds those capacious 
basins into which we cast our bodies, weakened by immoder- 
ate sweats. And the water is conveyed through silver pipes. 
As yet, I speak only of plebeian baths ; what shall I say when 
I come to those of freedmen ? What a profusion of columns 
do I see supporting nothing, but placed as an ornament, 
merely on account of the expense! What quantities of 
water murmuring down steps ! We are come to that pitch 
of luxury that we disdain to tread on any thing but precious 
stones." 

When the thermas first became public institutions, laws 
were passed regulating their use. They were placed in charge 
of the officials, called asdiles, whose duty it was to see that 
the rules concerning the baths were enforced. The hours of 
bathing were from two o'clock in the afternoon till dusk, be- 
tween two and three being the hour most favorable. Notice 
was given that the baths were ready by ringing a bell, the 
warm water being then drawn into the various piscina. 
Hadrian forbade that any should bathe before two o'clock, 
and any who bathed after four o'clock were charged a hun- 
dred quadrantes, about equivalent to thirty cents of our cur- 
rency. The usual price of a bath was one-third of a cent. 
Subsequently, to ingratiate themselves with the populace, the 
emperors permitted the baths to be opened earlier and closed 
later ; and, under Alexander Severus, they were not only per- 
mitted to be opened before daybreak, but oil was furnished 
for lighting at the public expense. The baths were a place 
of general resort, and on public holidays it was customary to 
keep them open the entire day. They were then thronged 
by the lower classes. The emperors amused the people with 
baths, that their own derelictions might be forgotten. 



47 &49 N. CHARLES ST., 

HISTORICAL. 



There were separate thermas for females, those most cele- 
brated being the baths of Agrippina. However, with the de- 
generacy of public morals, it became necessary to pass most 
stringent laws forbidding women, under the severest penal- 
ties, from bathing with men, and, on the contrary, punishing 
those men with death who should be found in baths devoted 
to females. 

It is difficult for us, living in this busy age, to understand 
how the people of Rome found time every day to frequent the 
baths. A bath, with all the accessories, must have occupied 
from one to two hours ; and yet we read of citizens of distinc- 
tion who bathed four and five times each day. Can we won- 
der that the degeneracy of public morals which permitted such 
excesses, was followed by effeminacy of the people, and finally 
by the downfall of Rome ? 

During the summer months the Romans resorted to Baiae, 
ten miles from Naples, on the gulf. It was not only the won- 
derful mineral springs of hot and cold water, and the phe- 
nomena of extinct volcanoes, that were attractive. The sur- 
rounding country was charmingly beautiful, and was asso- 
ciated with the earliest epoch of Roman history. Near by 
was the most ancient city of Cumas, with its sibyl ; the Lake 
of Avernus, with its entrance to hell ; the Forum Vulcani, 
the promontory of Misenum, the Phlegraean fields, and the 
Elysian plains. Amid these scenes the wealthy Romans 
erected elaborate villas and pursued the luxurious pleasures 
of the capital. A lively description of those baths is given 
by Seneca in Epistles 51 and 56 : " He tells us that, while at 
Baiae, he lived near the great bath-house, and was continually 
annoyed by the noise. Early in the morning the splashing of 
bathers greeted his ears, for they bathed at all hours. He 
was disturbed by the excited cries of those playing at ball, 
and by the deep-drawn sighs of those who swung heavy 
weights. Here one was trying his voice in song, there an- 
other was engaged in loud dispute, or perhaps a cry was 
raised at the detection of a thief caught stealing clothes of 
one of the bathers, no unusual occurrence. Then there were 



10 MINERAL SPEINGS. 

the shrill cries of the venders of eatables, especially the libum, 
or sweet-cake, long popular with bathers, and a remnant of 
which is still found in some of the German baths. He also tells 
us that it was common to see tipsy people wandering along 
the sea-shore, and to hear the shores of the Lucrine Lake re- 
sounding with the songs of pleasure-parties of men and women 
who skimmed about in gayly-painted boats of every variety 
of shape and color, decked out with crowns and chaplets of 
roses. All ancient writers describe these aquatic excursions 
as scenes of voluptuous pleasure ; there was also abundance 
of gambling ; and, on the whole, Seneca described Baias as a 
sort of vortex of luxury and harbor of vice." 1 

Passing over a period of a thousand years, during which 
we have no record of bathing-resorts, we come to the follow- 
ing description of Baden, in Switzerland, canton of Aargau, by 
Poggio Bracciolini, 1420 : " Baden, though offering no great 
natural beauty, and nothing in the way of agreeable relaxa- 
tion, presented such other pleasures that you might imagine 
Venus with her troop had deserted Cyprus and come to live 
at the baths. There were two public and about twenty-eight 
private baths attached to the hotels. In the public bath men 
and women bathe together in a state of entire nudity. In the 
private baths the men and women used at least partial cloth- 
ing, and there was a partition between the men's and women's 
baths, with openings, however, which made it easy for them 
to talk to each other. People used often to bathe three or 
four times a day ; indeed, to spend a great part of their time 
in the baths, to ask their friends to come and spend the day 
with them ; they played at cards, and had their meals sup- 
plied to them on floating tables, and there was no lack of good 
eating and drinking." 

The description of the same baths by Montaigne, one hun- 
dred and fifty years later, shows a decided change. He says : 
" Those who have ladies under their charge will do well to 
bring them here, where every lady has a bath to herself hand- 
somely fitted up with a dressing-room, light and airy, with 

» London Quarterly, July, 1870. " Baths." 



HISTORICAL. 11 

rich windows, painted wainscoting and ceiling, and polished 
floors, and provided with small tables on which you may read 
or play while in the bath. . . . The people of this part of the 
country when they bathe usually have themselves so unmer- 
cifully cupped and bled that I have sometimes seen the two 
public baths almost full of blood. The houses are very hand- 
some, and kept up on a grand scale. In that where we lodged 
there have been in one day three hundred mouths to provide 
for." 

Some one hundred years later, in 1648, we have a descrip- 
tion of the round of life at Bath, England, by the quaint court 
gossip, Pepys. It runs thus : " Up at four o'clock, being by 
appointment called up to the Cross bath, where we were car- 
ried one after another, myself and wife, and Betty Turner, 
Willet, and W. Hewer. And by-and-by, though we de- 
signed to have done before company came, much company 
came ; very fine ladies ; and the manners pretty enough ; only 
methinks it cannot be clean to go so many bodies together in 
the same water. Good conversation among those that are 
acquainted here and stay together ; but strange to see, when 
women and men here that live all the season in these waters, 
cannot but be parboiled and look like creatures of the bath. 
Carried away — wrapped in a sheet and in a chair, home ; and 
then, one after another thus carried, I staying about two 
hours in the water, home to bed, sweating for an hour, and 
by-and-by comes music to play to me, extraordinary good as 
ever I heard at London almost, or anywhere, 5s. In the 
afternoon I went to make boys dive in the King's bath, Is." 

The only baths of the present day which resemble those 
of the middle ages are those of Leuk, in the valley of the 
Rhone, Switzerland. They are situated in a little mountain- 
nook, at the base of the perpendicular' ascent of the Gemmi 
Pass. Here several hot springs, of large volume, issue from 
the earth, the waters of which are conducted to the various 
public baths. In the bath-houses there are several pools be- 
neath the same roof, each of which is capable of accommodat- 
ing between thirty and forty persons. On either side of each 
2 



12 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

pool are dressing-rooms. From the "Guide Pratique" of 
Constantin James we translate as follows : " It is between four 
and five o'clock in the morning that they repair to the bath. 
The patients first dress in a long woollen tunic, then descend 
into the pool by a sort of inclined plane, in a stooping atti- 
tude, until they arrive at the desired depth. The basin is 
thus peopled with new arrivals, and is soon full. Let us pene- 
trate for a moment in a bath-building, where the piscina is 
filled. What a singular sight ! Imagine young girls, chil- 
dren, old men, priests, soldiers, sisters — what shall I say ? — 
in fine, all conditions and all ages, assembled pell-mell in the 
same pool. Some sing, some read, others work or read ; it is 
a crowded house, joyous with pleasantry and anecdote. Each 
bather has a floating table, a kind of little boat where he places 
his handkerchief, his snuff-box, or his luncheon. But what of 
the shipwrecks upon this little ocean ? To see this multitude 
of heads agitating the surface of the water, we would call it a 
reunion of Tritons." 

The method of bathing at Leuk is only tolerated at this 
day because of the number of hours required for the bath-cure. 
It is the custom to pass three or four hours of the morning, 
and one or two of the afternoon, in the water. Such a long 
time, alone, in a bath would indeed be irksome. 

We will not lengthen this chapter by describing the baths 
of any of the celebrated spas of Europe ; they are such as are 
met with at our American resorts, though usually far more 
elegant in accessories. In addition to amusements of every 
type, they are often the centre of gambling establishments of 
colossal dimensions. Those of Baden-Baden are well known to 
travellers. The Conversation-House, as it is politely termed, 
is of beautiful proportions, in the Grecian style of architect- 
ure, and built of solid stone. Within is a magnificent con- 
cert-room, ornate with frescoes and glittering with gilding, 
whence float strains of delicious music enticing the passer-by. 
Opening out from this saloon, on either side, are grand saloons, 
replete with elegant and luxurious appointments. These 
saloons are devoted to the fascinations of roulette and rouge- 



HISTORICAL. 13 

et-noir. Around the tables may be seen the young, the beau- 
tiful, the middle-aged, and the gray-haired, the peasant and 
the nobleman, the countess and the count, the thoughtless and 
the statesman, each casting his five-franc piece or his thous- 
ands upon the table, and watching with intense interest the 
deft fingers of the dealer, as he rapidly shuffles the cards and 
throws forth the numbers that tell of the winning and losing 
of fortunes. 



CHAPTER II. 

MINERAL WATERS. 

A mineral water, in the medical acceptation of the term, 
is one which by virtue of its ingredients, whether mineral, 
organic, gaseous, or the principle of heat, is especially appli- 
cable to the treatment of disease. 

Water, as found in Nature, is never an unalloyed combina- 
tion of its chemical constituents, hydrogen and oxygen. Pure 
water is a refinement of the laboratory, produced and retained 
with considerable difficulty. It is a colorless, inodorous, and 
tasteless fluid, nauseous when drank. Its solvent powers are 
unequalled by any known fluid. 

As water falls from the clouds in the form of rain, it ab- 
sorbs various gases, so that when obtained in this purest nat- 
ural form it contains nitrogen, oxygen, carbonic acid, and 
sometimes traces of carburetted hydrogen, nitric acid, or am- 
monia. Having fallen upon the earth, its solvent power causes 
it to take up various salts and organic substances from the 
soil, so that when taken from rivers it frequently contains sev- 
eral grains of solid constituents to the gallon, or as much as 
a grain in a pint. The table (p. 15) shows the amount and 
number of these constituents to the pint in four rivers of this 
continent, and is interesting when compared with the analyses 
of mineral springs. 

The origin of springs has been a subject of inquiry by 
philosophers of all ages. Aristotle taught that large caverns 
in the interior of the earth were filled with air which at the 
roofs was condensed to water by the cold, and thence made 
way to the surface of the earth by various outlets. Through 
the middle ages this was the received explanation, though 



MIXERAL WATERS. 



15 



One Pint contains — 


Schuylkill. 
I>. Silliman, Jr. 


Croton. 
B. Silliman, Jr. 


Charles. 
B. Silliman, Jr. 


St. Lawrence. 
T. Steny Hunt. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

'6.044 

'6.234 

'6.018 
0.001 

"6.007 

"o.bio 

0.206 


Grains. 

"o'.oss 

traces. 
0.267 

" b* 021 

' 0.021 
0.047 
0.019 

" 0.029 
0.104 
0.009 

0.233 


Grains. 

' "0.665 

"0.020 
' 0.019 

"o'Mb 

0.043 

"o'.033 

0.012 

traces. 

0.066 


Grains. 
0.007 




0.026 


" manganese 


0.034 




0.002 




0.003 
















0.018 
















0.038 


Oxides of iron and manganese . . 

Alumina — phosphoric acid 

Salts of soda with the nitric and 


traces, 
traces. 






Total 


0.520 
.05 cubic in. 


0.&33 
2.18 cubic in. 


0.203 
0.006 cub. in. 


0.178 


GAS. 









Vitruvius believed springs to be due to rain and snow which 
penetrated the earth and accumulated in subterranean reser- 
voirs. 

In the early part of the seventeenth century, Descartes, 
who always impugned theories that possessed only the merit 
of being old, proposed a new explanation of the phenomena 
of springs. He imagined caverns to exist in the depths of 
the earth, into which water flowed from the sea. There the 
interior fires of the earth converted the water into vapor, 
which ascended to the upper part of the cavern, and by the 
low temperature was condensed to water ; thence the water 
was forced upward through crevices in the rocks and escaped 
as springs. 

Subsequently Mariotte and Halley demonstrated that the 
rainfall, including snow and dew, is sufficient to supply all 
the water that flows from rivers and springs. This view was 
promulgated by each of these philosophers about the same 
time, neither being aware of the observations and conclusions 
of the other. Mariotte estimated the mean fall of rain in the 
vicinity of Paris. He then compared this total with the quan- 
tity of water flowing away by the river Seine, and found it to 



16 MINERAL SPRINGS, 

be six times greater. From his experiments he coocluded that 
all springs are due to meteoric water falling in the form of 
rain, snow, and dew, which permeates the earth till an impas- 
sable layer is met ; it then courses along this layer till it es- 
capes from a convenient outlet, or is forced upward by hydro- 
static pressure. 

Halley's conclusions were the same, though obtained in an 
altogether different manner. When making astronomical ob- 
servations on the hills of St. Helena, 2,400 feet above the sea, 
his instruments became so wet with moisture, even under a 
clear sky, that he could use them with difficulty, and paper 
became so damp that the ink would blot. This phenomenon 
led him to experiment on the quantity of moisture exhaled 
from the sea. He procured a pan eight inches in diameter and 
four inches deep, which he filled with water salted to the same 
degree of salinity as sea-water. It was also heated to the 
temperature of the sea in summer. Having exposed the wa- 
ter to the open air, he found that in one hour's time the vessel 
lost 233 grains in weight, and at this rate there would be 
a loss of twelve ounces in twenty-four hours. He then esti- 
mated the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, and found it to be 
160 degrees. If evaporation proceeded in the same manner 
over this entire surface as in the salted water of the pan, the 
loss in one day would be 5,280,000,000 tons. He next com- 
pared this quantity with the discharge of the rivers into the 
sea. The principal ones are the Ebro, the Rhone, the Dnies- 
ter, the Danube, the Tiber, the Po, the Borysthenes, the 
Tanais, and the Nile, the remainder being small. He esti- 
mated that each of these rivers discharges ten times as much 
water into the sea in a day as the Thames, and the discharge 
of this river at Kingston Bridge he found to be 20,300,000 
tons. Ten times this amount would give 203,000,000 tons as 
the discharge of each of the nine rivers named, and 1,827,- 
000,000 tons as the total discharge of them all. But this 
enormous amount is only about one-third the quantity evapo- 
rated from the surface of the Mediterranean in a single day, 
leaving a remainder of 3,453,000,000 tons unaccounted for — 



MINERAL WATERS. 17 

amply sufficient to supply all the springs for many miles from 
the - coast. 

It is, then, clearly established that the fall of water in the 
form of rain, snow, and dew, is large enough to supply all 
rivers and springs. We cannot, however, resist the impres- 
sion that there is some truth in the theory of Descartes, and 
that certain springs derive their flow from the waters of the 
ocean. We know that volcanoes and earthquakes occur in its 
depths, and if large volumes of water are thus suddenly en- 
chasmed, or if they slowly pass to the interior of the earth 
by devious channels, it is certainly probable that when super- 
heated they may be forced to the earth's surface in the form 
of thermal waters or saline springs. 1 

But many of these springs contain ingredients in large 
quantities not found in rain-water or sea-water. Whence and 
how do they obtain these constituents ? 

It has already been stated that pure water possesses a 
solvent power unequalled by other fluids. No rocks, however 
dense, can resist its continued action. Even the glass vessels 
which we use are dissolved by it in minute proportions. And 
when, in addition, water contains large quantities of carbonic- 
acid gas, its solvent power on many substances is exceedingly 
increased. Every fissure of the earth is permeated by this 
solvent. It collects in the depths of mines, or drips from the 
roofs of caves. The railroad-tunnel through Mont Cenis — a 
mass of solid rock so dense that it soon turned the hardest 
steel — was so filled with water that a canal was dug through 
the centre to drain it away. When water has thus passed 
through thousands of feet of dense rock, and in the passage 
occupied years or centuries, it is not surprising that it fre- 
quently contains a large amount of ingredients. And when 
a stream of water thus impregnated becomes imprisoned be- 
tween almost impermeable strata, it flows onward till a fissure 

1 Humboldt tells us: "When in September, 1759, Jorullo was suddenly elevated into a 
mountain 1,183 feet above the level of the surrounding plain, two small rivers, the Eio do 
Cuitimba and Eio de San Pedro, disappeared, and some time afterward burst forth again, 
during violent shocks of an earthquake, as hot springs, whose temperature I found in 1803 
to be 186°.4 Fahr." (" Cosmos, 1 ' Bonn's English edition, vol. i., p. 219.) 



18 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

in the overlying strata is encountered, when by hydrostatic 
pressure it is forced upward and bursts from the earth as a 
mineral spring. Or, if an artesian well be sunk, and such a 
stream is penetrated, there is an outflow of water sometimes 
so strong as to be projected several feet above the earth. 

An excellent illustration of the conditions under which 
mineral springs occur is found in Saratoga County, New York. 
The geological strata of this county from above downward are 
as follows : 1. Hudson River and Utica shales and slates. 2. 
Trenton limestone. 3. Calciferous sand-rock. 4. Potsdam 
sandstone. 5. Laurentian formation, of unknown thickness. 

Saratoga 
Valley. ^ 7r7 ^^ Ty ^^0^ 



\~. .'.' ■ • ■'■ •* "' kt ' ■'■■ - 

GEOLOGICAL SECTION AT SARATOGA SPKLNGS. 

The strata dip southward — elevated ranges of Laurentian 
rocks appearing in the northern portion of the county, and 
the superincumbent strata cropping out at intervals to the 
south, and running in parallel lines across the county : first, 
the Potsdam sandstone; next, calciferous sand-rock; then, the 
Trenton limestone ; and lastly, in the southern half, the Hud- 
son River and Utica slates and shales. However, at the vil- 
lage of Saratoga Springs, an unusual disarrangement of the 
strata has occurred. Doubtless by volcanic upheaval, the 
strata above the Laurentian rocks have been entirely fissured 



MINERAL WATERS. 19 

through ; the southern section being considerably elevated, and 
the Potsdam sandstone on one side of the fissure correspond- 
ing with the calciferous sand-rock on the opposite. This con- 
dition is technically termed a fault. It is well illustrated by 
the accompanying plate, 1 on page 18. 

The Laurentian rocks are composed of highly-crystalline 
gneiss, granite, and syenite, and are almost impervious to 
water, while the Potsdam sandstone and calciferous sand- 
rock, immediately overlying, permit it to pass freely. All 
the rain falling in the county north of the fissure, or fault, ex- 
cept that which passes off as surface-water, permeates the 
different strata till it meets the Laurentian rocks ; thence it 
passes over the surface of these rocks till the fissure is reached, 
where it comes in contact with the uplifted ledge of rocks and 
accumulates. From the fissure in the Laurentian rocks, which 
penetrates to an unknown depth, carbonic acid doubtless 
arises, and thus, in addition to its mineral ingredients, the 
Water becomes highly charged with this gas. The continual 
accessions of water and the pressure of the gas, together, force 
the water to the surface, where it breaks forth in the various 
springs of the Saratoga Valley. In one instance — the geyser, 
spring or artesian well — the imprisoned water has been artifi- 
cially liberated at a point where it is under great hydrostatic 
pressure, and it escapes with such force as to be projected 
twenty feet above the surface of the earth. The slightly dif- 
ferent composition of the springs depends on accidental varia- 
tions in the composition of the strata through which the wa- 
ter of each spring passes. These springs are a well-marked 
example of ascending springs, or those in which the water is 
elevated from a point below by hydrostatic pressure. 

The Tuscan springs of California are another example of 
ascending springs, the water issuing from an interval between 
strata that have been upheaved by volcanic action. The dia- 
gram below illustrates the position of the strata on either side 

1 The plate is kindly loaned by Prof. C. F. Chandler, ~Sev? York, from whose article 
in the American Chemist, December, 18T1, the geological facts concerning Saratoga are 
taken. 



20 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



of the spring. 1 The waters evolve a large quantity of carbu- 
retted hydrogen, which is purified and utilized for heating the 
water of the steam-baths. 




SECTION OP TUSCAN SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA. 



a, a. Basaltic lava. 
&, b. Volcanic ashes. 



S. Springs. 



c, c. Conglomerate. 

d, d. Cretaceous sandstone. 



Descending springs occur at the base of hills and moun- 
tains, and are seldom of such constitution as to be classed with 
mineral waters. They usually supply -the purest drinking 
water. The water which they emit is the result of rain, snow, 
or ice, which falls or forms on the mountain. Owing to the 
direct way in which the water passes to them, they are more 
susceptible to variation in the flow than other springs. Dur- 
ing and at the close of the rainy season, the volume will be 
considerably increased. In Switzerland many springs flow 
very freely during the summer, when the glaciers are melting, 
but are almost imperceptible at other times. 

An excellent example of a descending mineral spring is 
found in the Rockbridge Alum waters of Virginia. These 
springs issue at the eastern base of a mountain-ridge, which 
rises almost perpendicularly above. The reservoirs in which 
the water collects are hollowed out of the mountain-base, 
which here consists of a stratum of clay-shale about eighty 
feet high, with a southeastern dip. This shale on analysis 
yields constituents similar to those found in the spring-water ; 
that is, sulphate of iron, alumina, surphuret of iron, etc. The 
direct origin of these springs, from the descent of rain-water 

1 From " Geology of California," vol. i., p. 208. 



MINERAL WATERS. 21 

through the shale, is further shown by the variable flow. In 
rainy weather there is an abundant supply, but during a dry 
season it is much reduced. 

Intermittent springs form a curious feature in the phe- 
nomena of springs. There are springs that flow at regular in- 
tervals, once or twice a year, for a period of two or three 
months, or, it may be, once or twice a day, or even every hour. 
The cause of the first — those that flow at certain seasons of 
the year — has been mentioned in the description of descend- 
ing springs. It is due to the irregularity of the fall of rain, or 
melting of snow and ice which supplies them. Many glacier- 
springs flow only in summer, while others emit water only 
during the middle of the day, while the heat of the sun is suf- 
ficient to melt the ice from which they are supplied. The 
Engstlebrunnen, in the Haslithal, canton of Berne, Switzer- 
land, is of this kind. It flows from the middle of May to the 
middle of August, and, during this time, onlv from four o'clock 
p. m. to eight o'clock a. m. But, if the season is cold, it does 
not flow at all. 

Other springs owe their intermittent character to their con- 
nection with the sea. Such spriugs are not far distant from 
the coast, and have several outlets, one of which empties into 
the sea. When the tide rises the outlet to the sea is closed, 
the water accumulates in the reservoir and finally overflows. 
Again, some of the intermittent springs are the discharges of 
a siphon. The spring is connected with a hidden reservoir by 
a siphon-like canal in the rock. When the reservoir fills, the 
siphon becomes charged till the water begins to flow ; then it 
continues till the reservoir is emptied, and the process is to 
be repeated. The spring of the villa Pliniana, on the shores 
of Lake Como, is of this kind. It is thus described by Pliny : 1 
"The nature of this spring, which falls into the Larian'Lake, 
is extremely surprising; it ebbs and flows regularly three 
times a day. This increase and decrease is plainly visible, and 
very interesting to observe. You sit down by the side of the 
fountain, and, while you are taking a repast and drinking its 

1 Letter to Sura, Epist. iv., 30. 



22 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

water, which is very cool, you see it gradually rise and fall. 
If you place a ring, or any thing else, at the bottom, when it 
is dry, the stream reaches it by degrees till it is entirely cov- 
ered, and then again gently retires from it ; and this you may 
see it do three times successively." Near Colmars, in France, 
is another spring of this kind. It flows every seven minutes. 
After the earthquake of Lisbon, in 1755, it lost this peculiarity, 
but it was restored by the earthquake of 1763. 

But, the most remarkable intermittent springs are those 
which are the result of the tension of hot vapor. The most 
wonderful- of these are the Geysers of Iceland, and those of 
Wyoming Territory. The outlet of these springs is the mouth 
of a silicious tube, reaching down some forty to sixty feet in 
the earth. This tube being full of water, the pressure exercised 
on the water at the bottom of the tube raises its boiling-point ; 
that is, while water boils in the open air at 212° Fahr., the 
degree to which it must be elevated, under a pressure equal 
to that at the bottom of a tube sixty feet long, is 251° Fahr. 
When a layer of water at the bottom of the tube is elevated 
to this temperature, it evolves steam ; but, as soon as the bub- 
bles pass to the cooler layers above, they are condensed. 
When the succeeding layer above is heated to the boiling- 
point, the escaping steam-bubbles are condensed in turn in 
the superincumbent laj^ers. After a time, however, the entire 
column of water to the surface reaches the boiling-point, when 
much of the water throughout the entire tube suddenly be- 
comes steam, and the explosion immediately occurs. , This is 
the explanation given by Prof. Bunsen, and that it is the cor- 
rect one has been demonstrated by Prof. Tyndall, who con- 
structed an iron tube, with a bowl surrounding the upper 
opening and an iron bulb at the lower end, in which all the 
conditions named were fulfilled, and on heating the water in 
the bulb he obtained the result indicated — a miniature gej 7 ser 
jetted steam and water into the air. 

The physical characteristics of mineral waters differ in many 
respects from ordinary water. 

Color. — Mineral waters, when examined in a glass, are usu- 



MINERAL WATERS. 23 

ally clear and transparent. But when we look down upon 
them in the sjDring, or as they are accumulated in reservoirs, 
they frequently present a green hue, an optical effect depend- 
ing on their density. In some instances, however, they pre- 
sent other colors, due to substances which they contain in 
impalpable division. The whitish color frequently observed 
in sulphur-water is caused by the precipitation of sulphur, the 
yellow by the change of a monosulphuret into a polysulphuret. 
A pure white color is often due to precipitation of carbonate 
of lime, while a blue color arises from the suspension of slate 
or clay in the water in minute subdivision. A red color is 
frequently seen in chalybeate waters, and results from the pre- 
cipitation of the red oxide of iron. In some instances, how- 
ever, a red color may be due to microscopic algae of that color. 

Odor. — Mineral waters, as a rule, possess a more or less 
marked odor. 

In sulphur-waters a characteristic odor is always present, 
that of sulphuretted hydrogen. "When waters are highly 
charged with this gas, the odor is perceptible for a consider- 
able distance from the spring. However, in sulphur-waters 
containing the monosulphuret of sodium, the odor is but feeble. 

Calcic waters, containing a large proportion of sulphate of 
lime, frequently disengage sulphuretted hydrogen by decom- 
position of the sulphate in presence of organic compounds. 

Other waters emit odors depending on the soil througli 
which they have passed. 

Taste. — The character of a mineral water can seldom be 
determined by its taste, for this frequently depends on con- 
ditions which bear no relation to its medical properties. 

Of the various waters, sulphur-waters possess a more decid- 
ed taste than any others, depending on the presence of sulphu- 
retted-hydrogen gas. This taste, however, is more properly 
an odor, rendered more perceptible in swallowing the gas. In 
addition, these waters are frequently bitter to the taste, due 
to sulphates of soda and magnesia, or chloride of magnesium; 
or they are salty, due to chloride -of sodium. 

Alkaline waters, when containing the alkaline carbonates 



24 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

in large proportion, possess a peculiar taste which cannot be 
more definitely designated than by terming it alkaline. Waters 
of this class, however, frequently evolve large quantities of 
carbonic-acid gas, giving to them a pungent and agreeable 
taste, and entirely disguising the alkaline savor. 

Saline waters necessarily possess the taste of table-salt, 
though this is sometimes entirely masked by large propor- 
tions of carbonic-acid gas. 

Chalybeate waters usually present an inky or styptic taste, 
decided in proportion to the absence of other constituents. 

Calcic waters are often sweet to the taste, especially if 
they contain considerable carbonate of lime. This taste is 
very marked in the Old Sweet Springs of Virginia. 

Texture. — This word, as applied to water, is intended to 
represent the sensation of harshness, or smoothness, which it 
imparts when in contact with the skin. It is only when the 
feeling is peculiarly bland and soft that it has been noticed. 

Certain waters possess a smooth texture in a remarkable 
degree. While immersed in them the entire surface of the 
body seems as though covered with a bland oil ; the fingers, 
when rubbed together, are unctuous, as though they had been 
anointed, and this peculiar sensation of smoothness frequently 
remains for some time after leaving the bath. The Warm 
Springs of Virginia are notably possessed of this quality. 

The cause of this unctuosity is unknown. It has been at- 
tributed to the presence of silicates in large proportion, to the 
monosulphuret of sodium, and to organic matter. Durand- 
Fardel thinks it is due to organic matter. He says : " It is 
worthy of remark that it is precisely those waters of the Pyr- 
enees, richest in organic matter, which are the most unc- 
tuous." 1 Some authors suppose it arises from a combination, 
between the acid secretions of the skin and the bases of the 
water, forming a kind of soap. 

Temperature. — Many theories have been proposed at dif- 
ferent ages, explaining the elevated temperature possessed 
by many mineral springs. In the early part of this century, 

1 " Dictionnaire des Eaux Minerales," t. i., p. 591. 



MINERAL WATERS. 25 

the chemical theory had many adherents. Philosopners who 
embraced this theory believed that within the interior of the 
earth, beneath each thermal spring, was a sort of chemical 
laboratory in which alkaline metals were being oxidized by 
water, and large volumes of heat thereby generated. Bischof, 
who persistently combated the chemical theory till it fell, 
showed that it would be impossible for such chemical action 
to continue, with perfect regularity, for thousands of years. 

The theory uniformly received at the present day attributes 
the heat of springs to the interior heat of the earth, which 
pervades every portion of the globe. Springs proceeding from 
great depths partake of the heat of the point from which they 
arise; passing thence, by devious fissures, they break forth 
under the most varied circumstances — at the summits of moun- 
tains or in the depths of valleys, under a tropical sun or in 
the frigid zone. The borings of artesian wells supply indu- 
bitable proof of the correctness of this theory. 

It has been found that at a certain point below the surface 
of the earth — varying according to the zone and constitution 
of the soil — the temperature is invariable throughout the year. 
At Paris this point is thirty feet deep ; but, after this point is 
passed, the temperature of the earth steadily increases with 
the descent. The rate of increase is 1° Fahr. for every fifty 
or fifty-five feet. The artesian well of Grenelle, near Paris, 
is 1,600 feet deep, and the temperature of the water flowing 
from it 81.8° Fahr. ; that of Passy is 1,731 feet deep, and the 
temperature of the water 82° Fahr. ; that of JNTeusalzwerk, near 
Minden, in Prussia, is 2,094 feet, and the temperature 89° 
Fahr. ; that of Mondorf, in Luxemburg, 2,278 feet, and the 
temperature 108.5° Fahr. In the United States, the artesian 
well at Louisville, Ky., is 2,086 feet deep, and the temperature 
at the bottom of the well is 86.5° Fahr. ; the artesian well at 
Charleston, S. C, is 1,250 feet deep, and the temperature of the 
water is 87° Fahr. 

It will be seen, from the figures given, that the temperature 
of water flowing from great depths is uniformly elevated. The 
temperature, however, is not always in proportion to the depth 



26 MINERAL SPRINGS 

of the well. This arises from the fact that water flowing from 
the bottom of the well may intermingle with colder water from 
the strata above, producing a lower temperature than would 
be expected ; or the vein of water supplying the well may 
arise from a much greater depth, giving an unusually high 
temperature, as is probably the case in the Charleston well. 

It is worthy of note that the theory of hot springs now 
accepted was advanced as early as the third century by St. 
Patricus, probably Bishop of Pertusa. He was asked the cause 
of boiling water flowing from the earth, and replied : " Fire is 
nourished in the clouds and in the interior of the earth, as 
Etna and other mountains near Naples may teach you. The 
subterranean waters rise as if through siphons. The cause of 
hot springs is this : waters which are more remote from the 
subterranean fires are colder, while those which rise nearer the 
fire are heated by it, and bring with them to the surface which 
we inhabit an insupportable degree of heat." 1 

Having explained the origin of springs from meteoric water, 
it is needless to consider minutely the slight variations in the 
temperature of cold springs. They depend on the source 01 
the water, whether from melting glaciers or summer showers, 
whether flowing superficially through alluvial earth, or deeply 
through ledges of limestone or masses of granite. 

Electricity. — In seeking for an explanation of the remedial 
action of thermal mineral waters, it has been claimed that their 
efficacy is due to some mysterious electrical action. That hot 
water, and water containing a large proportion of saline in- 
gredients, conducts electricity more readily than pure water 
has been clearly demonstrated by Prof. Kastner. According 
to Keller and Baumgartner, the mineral water of Gastein acts 
more powerfully on the magnetized needle of a multiplier than 
distilled or ordinary water. 2 Baumgartner and Roller state 
that the decomposition of Gastein water by the electrical cur- 
rent gives unusual results : while ordinary water separates into 
two volumes of hydrogen and one volume of oxygen, this 

1 Humboldt's " Cosmos," Boon's edition, vol. i., p. 221. 

2 Althaus's " Spas of Europe, 1 " London, 1S62, p. 65. 



MINERAL WATERS. 27 

water yields three volumes of hydrogen to one of oxygen. 1 
This result, however, is probably due to the salts contained in 
the water, and not to any peculiarity of the water itself. Per- 
fectly pure water, in a vessel of pure gold, suffers hardly any 
decomposition under the action of a powerful battery ; but, if 
a salt or acid be introduced, the separation takes place imme- 
diately. Griffin thinks that the salt forms the decomposing 
agent, not by increasing the conducting power of the water, 
but by being acted upon. 2 He further states that, " in certain 
cases, depending on the kind of salt that is submitted to elec- 
trolysis, and upon the concentration of the solution, there is 
found to be a deficiency in the quantity of oxygen. The rea- 
son of this deficiency is, that part of the water escapes com- 
plete decomposition. H,HO is converted into H and HO. 
The latter is the peroxide of hydrogen." 3 It is probable that 
this is the explanation of the peculiar decomposition of Gas- 
tein water (if any such peculiarity there be), and that, in- 
stead of an excess of hydrogen, there is really a deficiency of 
oxygen. 4 

Electricity in excessively minute proportions may be de- 
veloped by the falling of a spout of hot-springs water on the 
surface of the body ; but only to be detected by a wonderfully 
sensitive multiplier, one which would show electricity to be 
developed by every vito-chemical change that occurs in the 
human organism. Until something more definite can be dis- 
covered, it is necessary -to reject all hypotheses attributing 
cures to the electrical action of waters. 

3Iagnetism. — Within the past three years a number of ar- 
tesian wells have been bored in Michigan, which are claimed 
by the proprietors to be magnetic, that is, the water is sup- 
posed to be impregnated with magnetism. A careful inves- 
tigation of the question, however, reveals the fact that there 

1 Durand-Farders " Dictionnaire des Eaux Minerales," Paris, 1S60, t, i., p. 591. 

2 "Chemistry of Non-Metallic Elements," London, 1860, p. 234. 

3 Op. cit, p. 236. 

4 Althaus , s " Spas of Europe," p. 85, says: "The assertion, of Messrs. Eaumgartner aDd 
Hessler has been shown, hy numerous subsequent analyses, to be without any foundation 
whatever." 



28 MINEEAL SPRINGS. 

is no fixed magnetism in the water, but that the iron tubing 
of the well is highly magnetic. It is probable, however, that 
iron placed in a perpendicular position becomes more readily- 
magnetic in Michigan than in many other portions of the 
earth, and the fact is worthy of investigation. An observation 
made by the author in August, 1871, at the Geyser Spring, 
Saratoga, an artesian well, 140 feet deep, showed no such evi- 
dence of magnetism as was found at St. Louis, Michigan. 

The wells which first attracted attention as magnetic were 
St. Louis, Eaton Rapids, Alpena, and Spring Lake. The 
claim of magnetism for these waters was received with mingled 
credulity and incredulity. Thousands suffering with paralytic 
complaints journeyed hundreds of miles at great inconvenience, 
frequently to be disappointed. Some, however, improved and 
readily gave certificates of cure by the waters, the result be- 
ing always attributed to magnetism. 

During September, 1871, the author visited the famed St. 
Louis well. When thirty miles away, persons were readily 
found who would testify to the magnetism of the water, for 
they had magnetized knife-blades in their pockets that would 
pick up a pin, caused by holding the knife-blade for fifteen 
ofinutes in the flowing magnetic water. Arrived at the well, 
there were large numbers who would swear to the magnetism 
of the water. The following experiments were made : 

Observation I. — I took my penknife and tested a blade 
with a compass, to discover whether it was magnetic. Placed 
on either side the north or south pole of a compass, it attracted 
the needle l-J-° ; it would not attract a needle. I then held it 
one-half hour, by the watch, in the water, as it flows from a 
horizontal tube attached to the main tube of the well. At the 
expiration of the time I tested it with the compass and needle, 
but found no perceptible change in its conditions. Result of 
this experiment, negative. 

Observation II. — Descended a flight of steps, about six 
feet, to the point where the main tube of the well emerges 
from the ground. Here the joining of the tube is not perfect, 
and there is an overflow of water between the lower or en- 



MINERAL WATERS. 29 

casing portion and the upper. Placed the same blade in this 
overflowing water, at a distance of four inches from the main 
tube, and let it remain for half an hour, the blade being in a 
horizontal position. At the end of that time tested it with 
the compass. It slightly repelled the north end of the com- 
pass-needle, and attracted the south end — moved it about 3°. 
Result favors magnetism of the water, if the tube itself is not 
magnetic; but, the tube being magnetic, the result is still 
negative, as it is well known that a strongly-magnetic body 
will cause magnetism by induction in steel, when placed in 
close proximity for that length of time. 

Obseevation" III. — Rubbed the same knife^blade on the 
main tubing for ten minutes. It was then powerfully mag- 
netic, repelling the north end of the compass-needle, driving 
it half-way around the dial, and attracting the south end so 
that by a slight manoeuvre the compass-needle would rotate 
in a circle. The conclusion is, that the tube is magnetic in a 
high degree. 

Obseevatio^" IV. — Took a quart-bottle of water fresh from 
the spring ; removed it beyond the influence of the tube, where 
the compass-needle settled to the north. Then tested it with 
the compass on every side, but the needle was not perceptibly 
affected — I should have had a very sensitive needle. The in- 
ference, nevertheless, is that the water is ?iot magnetic. 

Obseevatioist V. — Placed the compass in different positions 
about the well, at the distance of seven feet, and found the 
north end sensibly deflected to the well ; while, at a radius of 
three feet, the north end is powerfully deflected to the w r ell in 
whatever position it is placed. When elevated above it, the 
north end of the needle dips downward. The inference is, that 
this effect is due to the mag?ietism of the tube. 

The above experiments are not of themselves conclusive, 
but a report on the mineral springs of Michigan, by a com- 
mittee of the State Medical Society, is exceedingly satisfactory. 
The committee consisted of Dr. H. O. Hitchcock, Prof. S. C. 
Duffield, and Prof. R. C. Kedzie. The duty of investigating 
the magnetism of the wells was assigned to Prof. Kedzie. In 



30 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

his report he first calls attention to the fact that water is a 
diamagnetic body. All substances have been divided by in- 
vestigators into magnetic, or those susceptible of magnetism, 
and diamagnetic, or those possessed of a resistance to mag- 
netism. Edmond Becquerel has found that if we represent 
the magnetic power of iron as 1,000,000, the diamagnetic 
power of water is 3 ; that is, it has a force 300,000 times less 
than iron, and thus one of resistance to magnetism. 

To determine whether water flowing through a magnetic 
tube may carry magnetic force with it, Prof. Kedzie made the 
following experiment : He first magnetized an iron tube, by 
applying it to* a strong horseshoe magnet. Through this tube 
he caused a stream of water to flow, and thence through a 
porcelain tube in which a steel bar was placed. The water 
flowed in this way, through a magnetized tube over a steel 
bar, for one hour, without developing any magnetic condition 
in the bar. 

It was, however, objected that the water of these springs 
contains iron in solution, which may have an influence in pro- 
ducing a magnetic condition of the water, while the water, in 
the test made, contained no iron. To obviate this objection 
Prof. Kedzie repeated the experiment, substituting water con- 
taining four ounces of sulphate of iron to the gallon, and, in- 
stead of a single horseshoe magnet, he used a combination of 
horseshoe magnets known as a magnetic battery. In this way 
the iron tube was so strongly magnetized that iron filings, 
sifted over it, arranged themselves over the surface, standing 
out like stiff bristles; "yet, on passing the solution of sul- 
phate of iron through a tube thus magnetized, and over a steel 
bar in a glass tube, for an hour, no development of magnetism 
in the steel bar could be detected." 

Having reached the conclusion that the magnetism of the 
Michigan wells is confined to the iron tubing, Prof. Kedzie 
sums up the matter as follows : 

" The question now arises, Does this magnetic property of 
these tubes arise from any magnetic quality or other pecu- 
liarity in the water flowing through these tubes ? I answer, 






MINERAL WATERS. 31 

No ! Iron tubes of the same dimension, placed in a vertical 
position, whether sunk in the ground, or erected in the air, 
or suspended in water, would exhibit the same phenomena. 
"Water, flowing through them or not, would have no appre- 
ciable influence in this magnetism. This is well shown by the 
attempted artesian well at Charlotte, which has not reached 
flowing water, but is only a vertical tube sunk in the soil ; 
yet, it is magnetic just the same as the flowing wells?'' i 

The latter portion of the report is devoted to combating 
the statements in favor of magDetism of the waters made by 
other writers. The conclusion is, that these waters are not 
magnetic, are not susceptible of magnetism, and cannot pro- 
duce magnetism. The phenomena of magnetism observed at 
the wells are entirely due to induction, caused by the highly- 
magnetic condition of the tube ; and the magnetism of the tube 
is only a usual result of terrestrial magnetism. 

These conclusions should not, however, detract from the 
actual value of the wells of Michigan. Many of the waters are 
strongly impregnated with active medicinal salts, and are ex- 
ceedingly valuable therapeutic agents. 

1 "Transactions of the State Medical Society of Michigan," 1871, p. 40. 



CHAPTER III. 

CLASSIFICATION". 

Lsr the study of mineral waters a classification becomes 
necessary, in order that their application to the treatment of 
disease may be systematically considered. Several methods 
have been proposed. They have been classified according 
to their geological origin, their geographical location, their 
therapeutic action, and their chemical constitution. For med- 
ical purposes the geological or geographical classification is 
almost valueless, and the knowledge of the action of mineral 
waters is not so far advanced that they can be reliably 
grouped according to their therapeutic action. The chemical 
classification has met with most favor. Of this system there 
are two prominent ones, the German and the French. We 
give them below : 

The German Classification? 

( 1. Simple carbonated. 

I. Alkaline ■] 2. Alkaline. 

( 3. Alkali and common salt. 
II. Glauber salt. 

( 1. Pure. 

III. Iron \ 2. Alkaline and saline. 

( 3. Earthy and saline. 

{ 1. Simple. 

IV. Common salt •] 2. Concentrated. 

( 3. With bromine, or iodine. 
V. Epsom salt. 

1 Macpherson's "Baths and Wells of Europe," London, 1869, p. 94 



CLASSIFICATION. 33 



VI. Sulphur. 

VII. Earthy and calcareous. 
VIII. Indifferent. 



The French Classification? 

, , , ( "With salts of sodium. 

Sulphur waters \ TTT . _ 

( With salts of lime. 

( Simple. 
Chloride of sodium waters. ■< With bicarbonates. 

( Sulphuretted. 

Bicarbonate of soda. 

nated waters \ Bicarbonate of lime. 

Mixed bicarbonates. 



Sulphated waters 



' Sulphate of soda. 

Sulphate of lime. 

Sulphate of magnesia. 
^ Mixed sulphates. 

( Bicarbonated. 

Ferruginous waters •< Sulphated. 

( With salts of manganese. 

A chemical classification, however, does not convey a def- 
inite idea of the medical action of a water. In the French 
classification, under sulphated waters, the sulphate of soda, 
sulphate of magnesia, and sulphate of lime waters, are grouped 
together, the first two being purgative in action, while the 
latter is not. The thermal waters, as a class, are ignored. In 
the German classification therapeutic requirements are more 
perfectly fulfilled, though there is the objection that the Glau- 
ber salt and Epsom salt waters are separated into distinct 
classes, whereas their action is almost identical — they are both 
purgative waters. The indifferent waters are all thermal. 

In the classification arranged for this work I have endeav- 
ored to obviate these objections. It partakes both of the 

1 "Dictiomiaire des Eaux Minerales," Paris, 1860, t. i., p. 463. 



34 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

chemical system and the therapeutic system. The waters of 
each class have a similar action, varied however by minor dif- 
ferences, which are to a considerable degree indicated by the 
subdivisions. In the application of this or any other classi- 
fication, it is sometimes difficult to determine to which class a 
spring should be assigned, from the fact that none of its in- 
gredients may especially predominate. Waters included under 
the subdivision Pure are only comparatively so, the ingre- 
dients, other than those distinctive of the class, existing in 
minute proportions. Thus a pure alkaline water may contain 
large quantities of the alkaline carbonates, but it can contain 
only very small proportions of chloride of sodium or other 
salts. The class Thermal waters may embrace waters which, 
as to their chemical constituents, belong to one of the other 
classes. The action of such waters, aside from their ther- 
mality, is indicated by the subdivisions to which they belong. 
It is rare, however, for thermal waters to contain a large pro- 
portion of mineral ingredients. 

Classification. 

( 1. Pure. 
I. Alkaline waters. . < 2. Acidulous (carbonic acid). 

' 3. Muriated (chloride of sodium). 

II. Saline waters ( ' r * 

(chlorideofsodium)j 2 -^ lkaline - 

' 3. Iodo-bromated. 

f 1. Alkaline. 
III. Sulphur waters. . . < 2. Saline (chloride of sodium). 
( 3. Calcic. 

fl. Pure. 

2. Alkaline. 

3. Saline (chloride of sodium). 

4. Calcic. 

5. Aluminous. 



IV. Chalybeate waters 



CLASSIFICATION. 85 

( 1. Epsom salt (sulphate-of magnesia). 
v V. Purgative waters . •< 2. Glauber salt (sulphate of soda). 

( 3. Alkaline. 

\ VI. Calcic waters .... -I L Limestone (carbonate of lime). 

( 2. Gypsum (sulphate of lime). 

fl. Pure. 
I 2. Alkaline. 
VII. Thermal waters . . «j 3. Saline (chloride of sodium). 

4. Sulphur. 

5. Calcic. 



CHAPTER IV. 

ACTION OF MINEEAL WATEES. 

Many, and, in this country, perhaps the majority of vis- 
itors at springs journey thither, not because of any specific 
malady with which they are afflicted, but to obtain relief and 
rest from the harassing cares of business, or the not less ex- 
acting demands of society. They go there for diversion ; they 
wish to leave for a time the dusty and travelled highway of 
life, and wander in the shaded by-paths. After a month or 
two passed at the springs they return home refreshed and re- 
cuperated, possessed of a vigor they may not have known for 
years. Have the mineral waters produced this effect ? No. 
The same renewal of life would have resulted had they so- 
journed anywhere amid pure air, beautiful scenery, and cheer- 
ful society. 

The influences which thus prove restorative to those who 
are not the subject of disease, also contribute to the cure of 
those who are really sick. But, from acknowledging that 
change of air, scene, and exercise, take part in the salutary 
result in disease, we are apt to overleap this legitimate con- 
clusion, and deny that spring-water has had any agency in 
benefits that have accrued. Nothing could be more unwise, 
and nothing more inconsistent with facts and the testimony of 
those who are regarded as the best authority in the practice 
of medicine. 

The history of bathing-resorts, in the first chapter of this 
book, shows that mineral waters have been held in high esteem 
as remedies both by the civilized and uncivilized of every age. 
Are we to regard this as a mere whim of humanity, and affirm 
that in all past time they have but pursued a phantom ? No. 



ACTION OF MINERAL WATERS. 37 

It is our duty to investigate the question. Undoubtedly tliere 
is an atmosphere of quackery surrounding springs in this coun- 
try, which is exceedingly repulsive to the scientific physician. 
The " cure-all " style of advertisement, pursued by many pro- 
prietors of springs, has contributed largely to bring odium 
upon mineral waters. Hopeless invalids have been induced 
to take long journeys to springs in no way adapted to their 
disease. Our obligations, however, are only increased by these 
abuses, and we should be prepared to give the sick reliable 
information. 

In the study of mineral waters it is difficult to eliminate 
the causes which contribute to the cure of the patient. Change 
of air has a most remarkable effect in many diseases. The 
well-known disease, asthma, is an illustration of this fact. A 
physician, who is the subject of this harassing complaint, tells 
us that when he leaves the city he is relieved of the oppres- 
sion which he continually experiences, but, on his return, it 
again fixes itself upon him. If atmospheric conditions have 
so great an influence in a disease which forms so clear an index, 
how many diseases are there, not so manifestly affected by 
these changes, but which are nevertheless in a great degree 
under their influence ! TTe do not speak of pure and impure 
air as usually considered, but also of the many shades of dif- 
ference produced by various kinds of vegetation, by exhala- 
tions from forests, by vapors from rivers and seas, and by the 
•tenuity of the atmosphere at different heights above the surface 
of the earth. The extent to which vegetative exhalations per- 
vade the atmosphere are clearly appreciated as we near the 
shores of America, in spring-time, after a transatlantic voyage. 
Long before land is in sight, the fragrance of woods and flowers 
is so strong that we can imagine ourselves within the precinct 
of a well-kept garden in full bloom. On the other hand, as 
we approach the sea-shore from inland, we can plainly detect 
the odor of salt-water long before the ocean is in view. The 
influence of mountain air in disease has never been closely 
studied. That it is peculiarly tonic and bracing, and purer 
than the air at lower levels, is undoubted ; but, at the limited 



38 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

elevation of resorts in this country, the difference in density 
can have no appreciable effect. In Europe there is a tendency 
to regard great altitudes as favorable for consumptives, and 
persons affected with this disease are recommended to choose 
winter residences at elevations from two to five thousand feet 
above the level of the sea, care being taken, however, that the 
climate of such places is dry, and the sky bright and cheerful. 
They doubtless attain in this way the same object which we 
do in sending consumptives, in the early stages, to Minnesota. 

Change of scene is another agency in the cure of certain 
diseases, which renders it difficult to estimate the actual in- 
fluence of mineral waters. 

Those who are well experience a lightness and buoyancy of 
spirit, a positive rest and recreation, when they exchange the 
monotonous routine of business for the always varying views of 
a pleasure-tour. How far the diseases of the hypochondriacal, 
the melancholic, and the overtasked, are favorably influenced 
by the journey to a summer resort, and the mirthful society 
congregated there, it is impossible to determine. Bufc these 
auxiliaries of mineral-water treatment will never modify or 
eradicate the gouty or rheumatic diathesis, they will not ar- 
rest the formation of gall-stones, they will not cure catarrh of 
the bladder, or relieve diabetes, all of which the waters them- 
selves will do. 

It is objected by some that, when a mineral water is ad- 
vised, we do not know exactly what was prescribed. In reply, 
it is only necessary to refer to the fact that all our remedies — 
of organic origin — are compound drugs of multiple ingredients, 
many of the constituents being unknown. Especially is this 
true, at the present day, of assafcetida, castor, and valerian ; 
and yet we employ these medicines without hesitation. Pre- 
vious to the present century the active principle of no vege- 
table drug was known, and yet many of them were used as 
skilfully as to-day. Opium was introduced into practice, and 
its value defined, by men who knew nothing of morphia, nar- 
cotine, codeia, thebaine, narceine, meconine, and meconic acid, 
its principal chemical constituents. Far be it from me to 



ACTION OF MINERAL WATERS. 39 

decry the value of these discoveries ; let it only be remembered 
that there was a time when medical men knew nothing of 
them, and yet the virtue of the drug was the same as to-day. 
So, in the case of mineral waters, we may not be able to dis- 
cover their exact ingredients, or decide the action of so many 
chemicals in one solution ; but we should not, on this account, 
refuse to employ them if reliable evidence of their efficacy can 
be adduced. 

In the study of mineral waters artificial preparations will 
not be considered. They may serve a good purpose in some 
instances, but, as a rule, they bear little resemblance to the 
natural waters. They are usually pleasant carbonated drinks, 
with a proportion of alkalies, iron, or Epsom salts, according as 
these ingredients may predominate in the water of the spring 
which they are supposed to represent. Chemists do not claim 
absolute accuracy for their analyses of waters ; the combina- 
tion of the elements is always empirical. How, then, even 
when the most scrupulous adhesion to details is observed 
(which seldom or never occurs), can manufacturers of these 
preparations produce an imitation identical in action with the 
spring- water ? 

Water is the most important inorganic constituent of the 
Tbody. 1 It forms two-thirds of its substance, and is in more or 
less intimate combination with every organ, bone, or tissue. 
Chemically speaking, we are only so much water in combina- 
tion with varied proportions of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, 
nitrogen, chloride of sodium, phosphate of lime, carbonate of 
lime, carbonate of soda, etc. It is, however, an exceedingly 
mobile constituent ; it is continually discharged from the body, 
and continually renewed, so that, while any given tissue or 
organ of the body maintains about the same proportion, it 
does not for any length of time retain the same particles of 
water. 

When water is taken into the stomach it enters the circu- 
lation immediately. It is first absorbed by the gastric veins, 
and thence passes directly to the portal vein, and this blood- 

i Flint's "Physiology of Man," p. 30. 



40 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

vessel usually contains more water than any other. Certain 
conditions of the water, however, regulate the rapidity of this 
absorption. If an immoderate quantity is taken at once, a 
sensation of weight is produced, the absorbents are gorged by 
the excess of water, endosmosis is almost prevented, and the 
process proceeds but slowly. Again, the temperature of water 
influences its digestion. Water much warmer, or consider- 
ably cooler, than the blood readily penetrates the absorbents, 
while, if exactly the same temperature, it produces nausea and 
is frequently rejected. If, however, the temperature verges 
on the extreme in either direction, the water is not tolerated, 
for then the vitality of the mucous membrane is imperilled. 
When water entering the stomach is highly charged with min- 
eral salts, it is absorbed but slowly. 

When ordinary drinking-water is taken in large quantities, 
it acts principally as a diuretic. It largely increases the 
amount of urine discharged, and the quantity of urea, phos- 
.phates, sulphates, and chlorides, is also augmented. 1 If the 
temperature of the air is somewhat elevated, the water also 
acts as a diaphoretic. It seldom passes off by the intes- 
tines. These effects pertain to all kinds of water taken in 
large quantities, and are not peculiar to mineral waters, as is 
often imagined. Prof. Liebig tells us : " If a tumbler of about 
four ounces of ordinary water, which is poorer in salines than 
the blood, is taken every ten minutes before breakfast, a quan- 
tity of colored urine will be discharged after the second tum- 
bler, which nearly corresponds to the quantity of water taken 
in the first tumbler ; and, if twenty tumblers are taken one 
after another, there may be nineteen discharges of urine, which, 
at last, becomes almost colorless, and then contains hardly 
more salines than the water which was drunk." 

A familiar illustration of the rapidity of the absorption and 
elimination of water is found in the tippler's ready method of 
sobering himself, after taking too much wine. He goes to the 
nearest fountain, and drinks one or two quarts of water. It 
enters the blood immediately, dilutes the alcohol there, and 

1 Althaus's "Spas of Europe," p. 160. 



ACTION OF MINERAL WATERS. 41 

passes off freely by the kidneys, removing the alcohol with it, 
so that in ten minutes the man is perfectly sober. 

It has been observed by Dr. Genth that, if large quantities 
of water are taken in twenty-four hours (four thousand cubic 
centimetres), the temperature of the body falls, the pulse be- 
comes slower, and the number of inspirations per minute are 
diminished. 1 

The temperature of water drank also bears a relation to its 
action on the system as well as its absorption ; thus, cold 
water increases the peristaltic motion of the stomach and in- 
testines, while hot water does not produce this effect. For 
this reason certain mineral waters may purge when taken cold, 
but will not do so when hot. 

Mosler, 2 who instituted a series of experiments relative to 
the action of water, found a difference of action at different 
ages. The effects were more decided and lasting in children 
than in adults. If water was administered for a considerable 
time, the metamorphosis of tissue proceeded much more rap- 
idly in persons of feeble constitution than in the vigorous. 
He also found that in those instances in which the appetite 
was indulged (for it was usually increased), the waste of tissue 
was compensated, and the person did not lose in weight. In 
some cases the action of the water was more diaphoretic than 
diuretic. 

The action of mineral waters may be divided into the im- 
mediate and the remote. 

The immediate action is that which results within twenty- 
four hours after it is taken. It may present as a stimulant , 
sedative, or eliminant, according to the constitution of the 
water. The first impression of a mineral water is that which is 
exercised upon the stomach. Waters cold in temperature, 
containing considerable carbonic-acid gas and alkaline in con- 
stitution, will prove sedative, both to that organ and the arte- 
rial system, while hot waters and those highly charged with 

1 Althaus's "Spas of Europe," p. 161. 

2 " TJntersuchungen iiber den Einfluss des innerlichen Gebraucb.es," etc. Gottingen. 
1857. Quoted from Altbaus. 



42 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

sulphuretted hydrogen will prove stimulant. Certain sulphur- 
waters, containing considerable organic matter, are decidedly 
sedative in action, reducing the frequency of the pulse. The 
eliminant action results from the effect of the waters on the 
intestines, kidneys, and skin. Waters containing chloride of 
sodium, sulphate of soda, or sulphate of magnesia, in large 
proportion, act readily on the intestines. The alkaline and 
calcic waters prove diuretic, some of them stimulating the kid- 
neys in a marked manner. Certain waters are cathartic or 
diuretic, according to the mode of administration. Thus, a 
water containing a comparatively small amount of purgative 
salts, with other constituents, such as sulphate of lime and 
carbonates, will prove actively cathartic if taken in doses of 
two or three glasses before breakfast ; but, if the same quan- 
tity be equally distributed through the day in small portions, 
it will produce a copious flow of urine, while the intestines 
will be unaffected. Although pure water when taken in large 
quantities tends to produce diaphoresis, yet there are some 
mineral waters that affect the integumentary excretories in a 
marked degree. Such are the sulphur-waters. This action is 
promoted if the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere 
is high, and retarded if it is low. 

Mineral waters also produce stimulation or sedation when 
applied externally. The results obtained in this way depend 
more on the temperature of the water than any action it pos- 
sesses as a medicated agent. However, it is undoubted that 
water containing a large proportion of carbonic-acid gas is 
thereby rendered directly stimulant to the skin, and waters 
highly impregnated with organic constituents — those that are 
unctuous or oleaginous in texture — prove sedative. 

The remote action of a mineral water is its alterative effect. 
And this, in the majority of diseases, is by far the most impor- 
tant quality. 

Alteratives are medicines which, in appropriate doses, mod- 
ify the nutrition of the body without producing any antece- 
dent phenomena. 1 This is precisely the result obtained by the 

1 Stffl6's "Therapeutics and Materia Medica," 1864, vol. ii., p. 629. 



ACTION OF MINERAL WATERS. 43 

Iono--continued use of mineral waters in moderate doses. How 
this occurs is readily understood when we consider the consti- 
tution of the body. As has been before stated, we are only 
so much water in combination with varied proportions of car- 
bon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, chloride of sodium, phos- 
phate of lime, Carbonate of lime, carbonate of soda, etc. The 
water thus combined may be termed the water of constitution, 
answering the same purpose in maintaining the body in form 
that the water of crystallization does in continuing a crystal 
in its integrity. But, although the amount of water in the 
body is about the same, it is continually being replaced, a por- 
tion being discharged and a corresponding portion received. 
For the ordinary purposes of quenching thirst we imbibe waters 
containing a very minute quantity of mineral ingredients ; but 
when we repair to a mineral fountain for the cure of disease 
we drink freely of water containing double, treble, quadruple, 
and even a hundred times, the quantity and number of chemi- 
cal constituents. The water thus introduced, slowly and regu- 
larly, penetrates every blood-vessel, capillary, and tissue of 
the bodily structure, gradually replacing the water of consti- 
tution, and by its different chemical affinities changing the 
molecular organism. It is not maintained that all of the con- 
stituents of the mineral water are retained ; doubtless an al- 
most infinitesimal quantity is incorporated each day ; *but in 
the course of weeks there is a decided and radical result — an 
alterative effect — manifested by increased metamorphosis of 
tissue, by elimination of poisonous elements, by the cure of 
disease. If too long continued, however, a cachectic state will 
result similar to that produced by the prolonged administra- 
tion of other alterative agents after the full effect has been 
produced. 

All mineral waters produce an alterative action. Is there 
any difference in this action as it results from various waters ? 
We answer, unhesitatingly, Yes. The alterative effect of dif- 
ferent classes of waters varies, just as the alterative action of 
iodine, arsenic, or mercury. Each acts on diverse portions of 
the blood and tissues. The alterative effect of alkaline waters 



44 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

exhibits itself in a reduction of the fibrinous element of the blood 
— in a modification of the processes which produce lithic acid. 
Saline waters exert their influence most decidedly on the glan- 
dular system. Sulphur-waters tend to the skin. Chalybeate 
waters affect the red globules of the blood. In like manner 
we may expect variations in the alterative action of the sub- 
divisions of the different classes. And, although our knowl- 
edge in this direction is not as specific as desirable, still there 
is sufficient to amply establish the varied alterative action of 
mineral waters. 

When mineral waters are taken in excessive quantities for 
some time, there is a kind of revolt of the system known as 
the bad sturm, or bath-fever. There is diminished appetite, a 
sense of excessive fatigue, excitement of the pulse, heat of the 
skin, and sometimes giddiness. While this feverish condition 
testifies the constitutional action of the water, it is in no way 
necessary or desirable in the treatment of disease. It corre- 
sponds to the ptyalism produced by hydrargyrum ; the nausea 
dryness of the throat, and irritation of the eyelids, caused by 
arsenious acid, and the pustular eruption resulting from iodine. 
When this irritant action of a mineral water shows itself, it is 
necessary to diminish the quantity taken, or entirely suspend it 
for several days. 

The action of thermal waters containing but a small propor- 
tion of mineral constituents is undoubtedly due to stimulation 
of the excretory function of the skin. A consideration of the 
process followed at these establishments enables us to under- 
stand how cures are produced in this way. In many of them 
the following or a similar routine is followed : The patient first 
enters a warm or hot bath, where he remains for some minutes 
until the capillaries of the skin are thoroughly congested. 
While there he places any painful or contracted joint or neu- 
ralgic portion of the body under a spout of hot water. From 
the warm bath he proceeds to the vapor-room, where he is 
surrounded with hot vapor of high temperature. During his 
stay in this apartment he drinks freely of hot water, and per- 
spiration pours from the integument. Thence he passes to a 



ACTION OF MINERAL WATERS. 45 

retiring-room, where he reclines on a cot well wrapped in a 
blanket. There he remains for fifteen or twenty minutes, 
most of the time in a bath of perspiration, and the process is 
complete. A bath of this kind is repeated every day or every 
other day for weeks. Is it surprising that under these condi- 
tions the metamorphosis of tissue proceeds with excessive 
rapidity ; that changes are wrought in a few weeks which in 
the ordinary course would occupy years? The entire system 
is drenched with warm water; it is thoroughly washed out, 
and in these copious sweats uric acid, syphilitic poison, and 
other materials of disease, are expelled. 

Profuse warm and hot bathing is sometimes followed by 
an eruption on the surface of the skin known as psydracia 
thermalis, the bad friesel, or la poussee. It is accompanied 
with slight feverishness, fulness of the head, and other symp- 
toms similar to those described above in bath-fever. These 
eruptions also occur in some instances as a result of the inter- 
nal use of mineral waters. They were at one time thought 
necessary to the curative action of thermal waters.- Experi- 
ence, however, has proved the fallacy of this idea, unless it 
be in some instances of inveterate skin-disease, when these 
bath eruptions seem to cure the original malady by substitu- 
tion. 

We cannot close this chapter more appropriately than by 
quoting the words of the lamented Trousseau — a man pos- 
sessed of a calm, judicial and philosophic mind — distinguished 
for accurate knowledge in every department of medicine — the 
most brilliant practitioner of this century : 

" Whatever may be said of them, mineral waters are not 
simple medicaments ; whatever may be the predominant min- 
eralizing agent as demonstrated by analysis, it acts not alone. 
Nature, in combining, with the more or less notable elements 
which' chemistry may isolate, other exceedingly variable ingre- 
dients, and principles which have not yet been discovered, has 
done for this mineralized agent that which we seek to imitate 
each day in our prescriptions when we endeavor to reenforce 
or diminish the effect of a medicinal substance by associating 



A 



46 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

others with it. In making due allowance always for the par- 
ticular phenomena which may result from the action of such 
or such elements which enter into the composition of a mineral 
water, we should not attribute to a single principle; however 
dominant it appears in the chemical analysis, all the proper- 
ties of the water, and clinical experience only can permit us 
to judge. 1 This is so exceedingly true that dyspepsias allied 
to a grave cachectic state — I do not now speak of paludal 
cachexia— are admirably modified hy very different waters, by 
those of Vichy or Pougues ; by those waters in which the 
mineralizing principle escapes, so to speak, chemical analysis ; 
such as the waters of Plombieres and Bagneres-de-Bigorre. 
Although we range Plombieres in the class of sulphated soda- 
waters and Bigorre in that of sulphated calcic, they have a 
mineralization so feeble in appearance that the predominance 
of such or such of their elements is lost, and renders their 
classification, so to speak, artificial. In comparing them with 
the waters of the Seine taken at different points near Paris, 
with those of Arcueil or those of the artesian wells of Gre- 
nelle, we find the advantage with the latter, relatively at least, 
to the waters of Plombieres. But, considering the results of 
medical experience, we know that the waters of the Seine 
have no other effect than to occasion a slight diarrhoea in 
some individuals not habituated to their use, and which we 
know not how else to attribute than to the salts of soda, to 
the chlorides which they contain in very small quantity. They 
have never been, that I know of, inscribed in the very volumi- 
nous catalogue of mineral waters. In placing them thus in 
parallel with the waters of Plombieres, of Bagneres-de-Bi- 
gorre — I will add, with the waters of Neris or of Mont Dore, 
which are hardly more mineralized than they — far be it from 
my thought of forgetting for an instant the efficacy of these 
justly-celebrated thermals. 2 Plombieres and Bagneres-de- 
Bigorre, in the particular disease which occupies us, in virtue 
of an action which escapes us and which I know not how to 

• The italics are not in the original 

2 These waters are used internally in dyspepsias. 



ACTION OF MINERAL WATERS. 47 

explain, triumph over rebellious dyspepsias. Under their 
salutary influence the appetite revives, the constitution is re- 
organized; patients affected with dropsy, with visceral en- 
gorgement, arrive at Plombieres or at Bigorre in a deplorable 
state, and depart, after a single season, in a condition notably 
ameliorated, and are often cured in a manner altogether un- 
expected." * 

i "Clinique Medicate," Paris, 1865, t iii., pp. 68, 69. 



CHAPTER V. 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 



Some writers on mineral waters almost entirely ignore their 
chemical constituents, findiDg in the fact that, when analyzed, 
we cannot explain all of their effects — an argument against 
any consideration of this portion of the subject. Fortunately, 
those who would thus place a seal on investigation are but a 
small minority. Although it will readily be conceded that an 
analysis, however accurate, in the present state of science, will 
not always indicate the diseases to which the water is applica- 
ble, still, in the majority of instances, it forms an exceedingly 
valuable guide — one which 'cannot be overlooked. And, if we 
are ever thoroughly to comprehend the action of mineral 
waters, the discovery lies in this direction. Since the dis- 
covery of iodine and its virtue in scrofula, its salts have been 
detected in many mineral waters which had long been consid- 
ered valuable in that disease. 

It is nevertheless true that the combinations of the ele- 
ments, as shown in analyses, are altogether empirical. The 
chemist first determines the bases — the amount of magnesia, 
soda, potassa, lime, alumina ; then the acids and gases — the 
carbonic acid, sulphuric acid, silicic acid, chlorine, iodine ; and, 
after each of these elements is separated, he combines them 
according to approved formulae, giving the result in so many 
grains of carbonate of magnesia, sulphate of potassa, chloride 
of sodium, iodide of sodium, etc. Yet, although the chemist 
may have performed his work most faithfully, still there are 
unknown quantities that elude his search, appearing in the 
analysis under the designations loss, organic matter, or extrac- 
tive matter. These facts, however, only show that chemical 
science is not perfect. 

The process by which rain-water dissolves salts from rocks 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 



49 



in passing through the earth, was alluded to in a previous 
chapter. Sulphates and chlorides, which form a large part of 
many rocks, are readily dissolved by pure water. When water 
becomes largely impregnated with carbonic acid and oxygen, 
its solvent power is exceedingly increased ; so much so that 
there are no rocks that can altogether resist its action. Quartz, 
granite, and basalt, are decomposed by carbonated water. It 
has been shown by M. Struve that carbonated water, by driv- 
ing out silicious acid, decomposes silicates under a moderate 
pressure. He effected a decomposition of silicates of soda and 
potash by treating Bohemian basalt, phonolite and felspar 
with carbonated water. 1 Although iron and lime are insolu- 
ble as carbonates, they are soluble as bicarbonates ; and, if the 
water contain a sufficient quantity of carbonic acid, these in- 
gredients are dissolved. If water containing sulphate of lime 
meets carbonate of magnesia, the carbonic acid combines with 
the lime and the sulphuric acid with the magnesia, and thus a 
soluble sulphate of magnesia is formed. From such facts we 
readily comprehend how waters originally pure become im- 
pregnated with many foreign ingredients in passing through the 
earth. A most conclusive experiment, showing that the con- 
stituents of mineral waters depend on the strata through which 
they pass, was made by M. Struve. At Bilin, in Bohemia, 
there is an alkaline mineral spring, the composition of which 
is given below. Struve took a quantity of clink-stone from 
the same locality, pulverized it, and subjected it to the action 
of carbonated water, under a pressure of two atmospheres, 
with the following result : a 



Bilin (Bohemia), 
One pint contains — 


Natural Water. 


Artificial Water. 


Carbonate of soda 


Grains. 
22.7 
1.1 
3.0 
2.8 
1.7 
6.1 
0.3 


Grains. 
21.9 


" magnesia 


1.1 


" lime 


4.4 




1 9 




1 6 


" soda 


4.8 


Silica , 


5 






Total 


37.7 


36.2 



1 Althaus's " Spas of Europe," p. 



2 Ibid, p. 



50 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

As a rule, the quantity of ingredients in mineral waters 
continues the same from year to year. 1 An illustration of this 
fact is found in our own country in the Congress Spring, of 
Saratoga. The analysis of that water, given under Saratoga 
Springs, was made by Prof. Chandler, in 1871, and it en- 
tirely agrees in the essential points with an analysis of the 
same water made in 1832 by Dr. J. H. Steel — thirty-nine years 
ago. However, there are a few instances on record of remark- 
able variation. This is the case with the springs of Saxan, in 
the canton of Valais, Switzerland. These waters were ana- 
lyzed in 1844 by M. Morin, who then reported that they con- 
tained no iodine. In 1852, however, they were analyzed by 
Baron Cesati and Dr. Pigaut, who found considerable iodine. 
M. Pyr-Morin then gave them closer investigation, and has 
discovered that, in regard to this constituent, they change not 
only from year to year, but from day to day, and from hour to 
hour. Thus, within the same day the amount of iodine was 
found at one time to be ; at another, 0.17 ; and at another, 
0.31 to 10,000 parts of water. On another occasion four dif- 
ferent examinations were made in the same day, and the record 
was thus : 0.61, 0.57, 0.17, and ; and at another day the rec- 
ord ran thus: 0.98, 0.47, 0.67, and 0. The largest amount 
ever found was 2.25 in 10,000 parts of water. And this same 
spring also varies in other constituents. Such a result as here 
described is, however, altogether exceptional. 

Sudden changes are sometimes due to earthquakes, show- 
ing the immediate connection of springs with fissures in the 
earth. During the earthquake of Lisbon the water of Top- 
litz, in Bohemia, assumed a reddish-yellow appearance, which 
lasted for an hour and a half, and at the same time the springs 
of. Clifton, in Gloucestershire, England, became turbid. At 
the time of the earthquake in 1690, the water of Gastein be- 

1 Humboldt says : " The hottest of all permanent springs (between 203° and 209°) are like- 
wise, in a most remarkable degree, the purest, and such as hold in solution the smallest 
quantity of mineral substances. Their temperature appears, on the whole, to be less con- 
stant than that of springs between 122° and 165°, which, in Europe at least, have main- 
tained in a most remarkable manner their invariability of heat and mineral contents dur- 
ing the last fifty or sixty years." — (Cosmos, Bonn's English edition, vol. i., pp. 218, 219.) 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, 51 

came white and clayey. In 1765, after an earthquake, the 
fresh-water well of Castel Alfieri, in Piedmont, became charged 
with sulphurous vapors and salines, and so remained till 1808, 
when, after another earthquake, its former freshness returned. 
Many mineral waters precipitate a portion of their constit- 
uents when they issue from the earth, thus forming deposits. 
This result is due to the escape of gases from the water, to the 
cooling of hot waters, and to other chemical changes arising 
from contact with the air. Prominent examples of such de- 
posits are seen in the cones about the orifices of the recently- 
discovered geysers in Wyoming Territory ; at the Peubla Hot 
Springs, Humboldt County, Nevada ; at the High Rock Spring, 
Saratoga, and the Red Sweet Springs, Virginia. They almost 
invariably consist of carbonates, sulphates, or silicates of 
earthy bases. 

CARBONATES AND BICAEBONATES. 

Nearly all mineral springs contain a proportion of carbon- 
ates ; and in some springs they are found in large quantity. 
In such instances they give to the water its characteristic 
properties. Thus, if the carbonates are those of potassa, soda, 
magnesia, or lithia, the water is alkaline ; if the base of the 
carbonate is lime, the waters are calcareous, and frequently 
form large deposits of tufa on the rocks and material with 
which they come in contact. A remarkable example of the 
presence of this carbonate is found in the spring of the Alabas- 
ter Cave, near Sacramento, California. The alkaline carbon- 
ates are formed when carbonated waters pass over or through 
rocks containing alkaline silicates, as granite, syenite, basalt, 
etc. Many of the carbonates are but slightly soluble in the 
form of simple carbonates ; but, when by the presence of a 
large quantity of carbonic acid bicarbonates are formed, they 
dissolve readily. However, in the analyses published in this 
work, the result is always given as carbonates, in order that 
uniformity may be secured for the purpose of comparison. 

Carbonate of Soda. — This salt is in the form of transpar- 
ent and colorless prismatic crystals, having a strongly alkaline 



52 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

taste. The fo'-carbonate exists in the form of a white powder. 
They both render water alkaline in reaction. In medicinal 
doses the carbonate of soda first diminishes the secretions, but 
subsequently increases them, the urine being most susceptible 
to its influence. It appears that the action on the discharge 
of urine is to augment the watery portion without increasing 
the amount of urea. . Under its use the uric acid almost dis- 
appears, subsequently to reappear, although the medicine be 
continued. The free acids of the urine, however, are replaced 
by earthy phosphates. This carbonate also increases the alka- 
linity of the blood. It should be remembered that the blood, 
the saliva, the bile, the milk, and the secretions from the mu- 
cous membrane, are normally alkaline. In some diseases, how- 
ever, they become acid, and the alkaline carbonates are prob- 
ably efficient in the treatment of these diseases by the tendency 
to neutralize this condition. It is also asserted that a continued 
use* of the alkalies reduces the quantity of fibrine in the blood. 

The diseases in which this medicine has been found useful 
are as follows : In dyspepsia accompanied with acidity of the 
stomach and intestinal secretions ; in diabetes, bicarbonate of 
soda has in some instances caused sugar to entirely disappear 
from the urine, and has reestablished the general health ; in 
lithiasis, that condition which tends to the formation of uric 
acid, gravel, and calculus, the administration of the bicarbon- 
ate in highly-carbonated water has given good results. 

Carbonate of potassa is white, inodorous, and crystallizes 
with difficulty ; it is usually met with in a granular state, and 
has great affinity for water. In mineral waters it occurs in 
the form of a b /-carbonate. This salt forms colorless, trans- 
parent, octahedral crystals, of a saline and caustic taste, 
readily soluble in water. It is not found in mineral waters in 
large quantity, though there is reason to believe it is more 
frequently present than is usually reported. 

In its action on the system the bicarbonate of potassa is 
antacid and diuretic, and is used in the same diseases as the 
carbonate of soda. It has most frequently been employed to 
prevent the formation of lithic-acid deposits in the urine. 



CHEillCAL CONSTITUENTS. 53 

Carbonate of magnesia is a fine white powder, possessing 
a slight earthy taste and no odor. It is more frequently found 
in waters originating in secondary and tertiary formations than 
in primitive.* It is a mild laxative, and a good palliative in 
acid or sour stomach, heart-burn, and sick-headache, especially 
if the person is constipated. It has been used successfully to 
check the formation of acid gravel, and has been considered 
superior to the alkaline salts of soda and potassa. 

Carbonate of Lime.— -The most familiar form of this sub- 
stance is chalk. It is found in great abundance in the south 
of England and north of France. As an ingredient in mineral 
waters it occurs most frequently in those having their source 
in the secondary and tertiary formations. 

The action of the carbonate of lime is altogether different 
from the carbonates above described. They are evacuant, 
diuretic, and promotive of secretion ; while the latter dimin- 
ishes the secretions and causes constipation, though at the 
same time being alkaline in action. It is analogous in its 
effects to lime-water. This preparation has powers useful in 
chronic bronchitis and chronic diarrhoea. It is interesting to 
note that over a hundred years ago lime-water was vaunted as 
a remedy in calculous affections, and, according to the best 
testimony, with good reason. 1 Though not a curative, it is a 
valuable palliative in these disorders. Many springs in this 
country which have long possessed a merited reputation for 
the relief of calculous diseases are chiefly impregnated with 
carbonate of lime, associated with a large quantity of carbonic- 
acid gas. 

Carbonate of lithia is deposited from a solution in the 
form of small prisms. It dissolves in one hundred parts of 
cold water, but more readily when the water is charged with 
carbonic acid. The solution is alkaline. This salt comports 
itself in most respects like the carbonate of soda. It has 



Stille's " Therapeutics and Materia Medica," toL L, pp. 303, 304, says : "There can be no 
doubt that it is a remedy too much neglected at the present time as a palliative for stone. 
• • • There is some reason to believe that uric-acid gravel may be dissolved and eliminated 
under its use." 



54 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

been especially recommended in the treatment of uric-acid 
gravel and gout. It was brought to notice by Alexander Ure, 
who found that it united with uric acid much more readily 
than carbonate of soda or potassa, and that the urate of lithia 
is the most soluble of all the uratos ; hence, when the excess 
of uric acid in the body forms this salt with lithia, it passes 
off readily by the urine. It is not usually found in mineral 
waters in large quantities. 

Carbonate of Strontia. — This salt is found in mineral wa- 
ters only in small quantities, and in the form of bicarbonate. 
In action it is similar to the corresponding salt of magnesia. 

Carbonate of iron is of a reddish-brown color, possessing 
a ferruginous taste. It is without smell. Iron is not found in 
this form in mineral waters, but as a protocarbonate or bicar 
bonate. 

The salts of iron administered internally in small quanti- 
ties are dissolved by the gastric juice and enter the blood. 
They increase the appetite, promote digestion, impart redness 
to the blood-globules and augment their number. The person 
who may have been depressed and languid recovers strength 
and spirit under their influence. In large quantities, and con- 
tinued for a long time, digestion is impaired, constipation en- 
sues, and the fseees are blackened. 

If iron is diminished in the blood, the lips are pale, the 
face is white and anaemic, the mind is depressed, and energy 
fails. From this fact we can appreciate the value of chalyb- 
eate mineral waters in. treating ansemic conditions. Owing 
to the minute subdivision of the iron in mineral water, it 
readily enters the blood. 

Carbonate of manganese is of a rose-red or brownish 
color. In mineral waters it is found as a bicarbonate. It is 
not of frequent occurrence, and exists in but small proportion. 
Medicinally it comports itself much like the salts of iron. 

CHLORIDES. 

Nearly all mineral waters contain chlorides in greater or 
less proportion. The fact that they enter so largely into the 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, 55 

composition of soil, rocks, and vegetable and animal life, read- 
ily explains their almost universal presence in mineral waters. 

Chloride of sodium, or table-salt, is by far the most im- 
portant of the chlorides. It exists in the blood, the bones, 
and the muscles, in large quantity, and is essential for their 
integrity ; and there is no solid or fluid in the body, except 
the enamel of the teeth, that does not contain this chloride in 
some proportion. From this fact we readily appreciate why 
salt is such a universal condiment. It is consumed in large 
quantities, each person taking from a quarter of an ounce to 
an ounce each day, though there is considerable variation in 
this regard in different nations. Russians are said to consume 
two ounces and more per day. This large amount, which is 
continually introduced into the system, is voided with the 
urine, leaving the absolute quantity the same. 

The necessity of table-salt is illustrated by the experiments 
of Wundt. After having eaten food for three daj^s unsea- 
soned with salt, he found the urine had become neutral, and 
contained albumen. On returning to salted food, the urine re- 
gained its normal condition in two days. Salt is an important 
element in cell-formation; it is found in all exudations; so 
much so that in pneumonia, when exudation is active, chloride 
of sodium disappears entirely from the urine, to reappear when 
the process ceases. It is also known to exercise a direct effect 
on the growth of the hair. When an animal does not receive 
a proper quantity of salt, the hair becomes rough and wiry, and 
the beast betrays signs of feebleness and ill-condition. So 
necessary is it to them, that in the wild state they frequent 
" salt-licks " (saline springs) to obtain a sufficient supply. 

Chloride of sodium, in moderate quantities, increases the 
flow of the gastric juice and the bile ; and, by its antiseptic 
properties, prevents putrefactive changes in the intestinal ac- 
tion of the intestines, producing fluid motions ; it is aperient, 
but not cathartic. The quantity of urea in the urine is also, 
augmented. Barral found that when larger amounts of salt 
than usual were taken, the weight of urea excreted increased 
from 2.84 grammes to 6.02, and even 9.42 grammes, in twen- 



56 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ty-four hours, from which we may conclude that salt in large 
quantities hastens the disintegration of tissue. The result of 
the use of salt in large quantities is to cause considerable irri- 
tation of the stomach and intestines ; to increase the flow of 
urine, which is accompanied with burning along the course of 
the ureters ; and to excite the generative organs. The secre- 
tion of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes is also de- 
cidedly increased. 

Chloride of potassium is analogous to chloride of sodium, 
both in its properties and medical qualities, but is found only 
in small quantities either in the body or in springs. 

Chloride of magnesium occurs in many mineral waters. 
It forms one of the chief constituents of the waters of the Dead 
Sea. It is the bittern of salt-works. Medicinally, it has been 
used as a cholagogue cathartic. 

Chloride of calcium is exceedingly soluble, and occurs 
principally in saline waters. In medicine, it has been used 
in scrofulous humors, glandular obstructions, and general de- 
bility. 

Chloride of iron is a comparatively rare ingredient of 
mineral waters. It is astringent and tonic. 

Chloride of caisium is a chemical curiosity, detected in 
1860, in the saline mineral waters of Durckheim, by KirchholF 
and Bun sen. The discovery of this unknown compound was 
made by spectrum analysis. Having determined in this way 
the presence of an unknown element in these waters, they pro- 
ceeded to isolate it by direct experiment. For this purpose 
they evaporated over 105,000 pounds of the water, and were 
enabled to procure a small quantity of the chloride. From 
this chloride they determined the physical character of cassium. 
Caesium is the most electro-positive element at present known ; 
its atomic weight is 123.4. In the spectrum it is recognized 
by two sky-blue lines — hence the name. 

Since its discovery it has been found in comparatively large 
quantities in the mineral waters of Baden-Baden and Bour- 
bonne-les-Bains ; also, in the mineral known as lepidolite, 
found at Hebron, Maine. 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 57 

Chloride of rubidium is a similar chemical curiosity found 
in mineral waters. It is much like chloride of potassium in 
its properties. 

SULPHATES. 

The sulphates are frequently found in mineral waters. 
They are active medicinal agents ; and the two known as 
Epsom and Glauber salts are familiar to every one. Occur- 
ring in mineral waters in considerable quantity, they give to 
them a bitter taste and purgative action. 

Sulphate of soda, popularly known as Glauber salts, is 
found in a number of mineral waters. Next to chloride of 
sodium, it is one of the most abundant of native salts. The 
popular name is derived from a German chemist who first dis- 
covered its artificial mode of preparation. It is a white crys- 
talline salt, bitter and nauseous in taste, and, taken in doses 
of half an ounce, produces watery purgation. It is derived 
from basalt, porphyry, felspar, mica, granite, and other rocks. 

Sulphate of magnesia, usually known as Epsom salts, is a 
transparent crystalline salt, having a bitter, nauseous, and sa- 
line taste. The name — Epsom — is derived from a spring in 
England of that name, from which it was originally prepared. 
It is a mild and efficient watery purgative. When dissolved, 
however, in a large quantity of water, this salt, as well as the 
sulphate of soda, tends to act on the kidneys, increasing the 
flow of urine. As a mineral, it occurs in serpentine, marl, 
clay, slate, and limestone. 

Sulphate of lime, or gypsum, is not found in large quan- 
tity in mineral waters, from the fact that not more than twenty 
grains will dissolve in a pound of pure water. It does not 
occur in crystalline rocks, but is found in red sandstone and 
the fissures of porphyry, basalt, and granite. It is not employed 
medicinally. Deposited from spring-waters, it forms a hard 
coating on foreign substances ; and twigs and leaves thus cov- 
ered are popularly termed petrifactions — an error, however, as 
the internal substance is not changed into stone. 

Sulphate of potassa is a bitter, purging salt, similar to the 



58 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

sulphates of soda and magnesia. It is not a frequent constit- 
uent of mineral waters. 

Sulphate of iron is found in the waters of springs flowing 
through rocks containing sulphuret of iron. It is a greenish 
crystalline salt, exceedingly astringent in action and to the 
taste. It is seldom present in mineral waiters. Examples, 
however, are found in the Alum Springs of Virginia, and the 
Oak Orchard Acid Springs of New York. 

Sulphate of alumina is usually found associated with the 
sulphate of iron. It is a crystalline salt, exceedingly soluble 
in water, and of a styptic taste. In medicine, the preparations 
of alumina are principally employed as astringents, though 
testimony is not wanting of their remedial value in diseases 
of a different type, such as chronic bronchitis, chronic diar- 
rhoea, whooping-cough, and lead-colic. 

IODIDES. 

Although the iodides occur in mineral waters only in small 
quantity, they undoubtedly influence their curative properties 
in a marked degree. Indeed, certain springs were long cele- 
brated for the care of scrofula, goitre, and analogous affec- 
tions, their efficacy being unexplained till the discovery of 
iodine, its effects in these diseases, and finally its presence in 
the waters. Rilliett, of Geneva, has described the effects of 
iodine in small and long-continued doses. The symptoms are 
rapid emaciation — the appetite, however, continuing good and 
even being increased — nervous palpitations of the heart, de- 
bility, depression of spirits, and sleeplessness. In this ema- 
ciation the various glands are most affected, and goitres have 
disappeared in a few days when the symptoms were fully 
developed. Such effects have resulted even from a sea-side 
residence and the iodic exhalations of salt-water, but more 
frequently from the minute proportions of iodine in certain 
mineral waters. 1 

Iodide of potassium usually appears in semi-transparent 
cubical crystals, of a saline, penetrating, and bitter taste. 

1 Stille's " Therapeutics and Materia Me&ica," vol. ii., p. 733. 






CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 59 

There is seldom more than a trace to be found in mineral wa- 
ters. This is the preparation most frequently employed for 
procuring the alterative effects of iodine in various diseases, 
such as scrofula, chronic rheumatism, tertiary syphilis, goitre, 
etc., etc. v^ 

Iodide of sodium is the form in which iodine is most 
frequently found in mineral waters. There is seldom as much 
as one-fifth of a grain of the salt to a pint of water ; but even 



this minute proportion is sufficient to produce the alterative 
effects of iodine. This salt in all its characteristics resembles 
the iodide of potassium above described, and is remedial in 
the same diseases. 

BROMIDES. 

These salts exist in somewhat larger proportion than the 
iodides. The combination which is most frequently found is 
that of bromide of magnesium. This salt occurs in strong- 
saline waters. The bromides, when given in small doses and 
long continued, are alterative in their effect, and in some cases 
reduce enlargements of lymphatic glands, the spleen, liver, 
ovaries, and uterus, but are not equal to the iodides for this 
purpose. 1 They are principally used to allay nervous irita- 
bility. 

PHOSPHATES. 

These occur in minute proportion in many springs. The 
minerals from which they are derived are basalt, mica, granite, 
dolomite, slate, chalk, and many other formations. The phos- 
phates vary in action according to the base with which the 
phosphoric acid is combined : thus the phosphate of soda is a 
mild cathartic, possessing but little taste ; the phosphate of 
iron is a tonic, and the phosphate of lime is recommended in 
scrofulous affections. 

SILICATES. 

Silica is found in some proportion in almost all springs,, 
but in much larger quantity in thermal than in cold springs. 
Silicates have been supposed to impart to certain waters the 

1 StiUe's "Therapeutics and Materia Medica," vol. ii., p. 759. 
4 



60 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

peculiar unctuous texture which they possess. The medical 
action of these salts has never been investigated. 

BORACIC ACID. 

This acid is sometimes found in considerable quantity in 
springs rising in volcanic districts. In Southern California 
there is a lake from which borax — borate of soda — may be 
obtained in unlimited quantity. Borate of soda is an alka- 
line salt used externally as a cosmetic ; internally it has proved 
decidedly emmenagogue and ecbolic. It has also been recom- 
mended for the purpose of dissolving lithic-acid gravel. 

FLUORIDES. 

Salts of fluohydric acid have been found in mineral springs 
in minute quantities. They are derived from mica, lepidolite, 
and hornblende. Their medicinal action is unknown. 

NITRATES. 

Occasionally, salts formed- by nitric acid are found in min- 
eral waters. The nitrates of soda and potassa, in moderate 
doses, are diuretic in action ; in large doses, purgative. 

ARSENIC. 

In a few mineral waters minute quantities of this substance 
are found. It may also be mentioned that traces of antimony, 
zinc, copper, tin, lead, etc., are sometimes detected. Arsenic, 
in very minute doses, is an alterative medicine of decided value. 
It is efficacious in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, inter- 
mittent fever, and scaly diseases of the skin. 

ORGANIC ACIDS. 

In a number of mineral waters crenic and apocrenic acids 
are found. They contain no nitrogen, and are the product of 
the decomposition of humus. In some instances they form^ 
soluble compounds with soda, potassa, and iron. Their medici- 
nal action has not been studied. 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 61 



ORGANIC SUBSTANCES. 



In the sulphur-waters of the Pyrenees, in France, three 
peculiar organic substances have been discovered. They are 
interesting to us, from the fact that several springs in this 
country of marked properties contain similar ingredients. 
They are described as follows : x 

Baregine, or Hydrosin, of Lambron. — If certain sulphur- 
waters be evaporated to dryness, a brownish-yellow residue is 
left which is blackened on the application of heat, and at the 
same time disengages a small quantity of ammonia. This 
substance is found to be an organic azotized matter, and is 
called baregine from the springs of Bareges, in which it was 
first detected. The name hydrosin is more appropriate, as 
disconnecting it from any particular spring or supposed qual- 
ity. A solution of it precipitates the salts of lead abundantly, 
and gives a white precipitate with nitrate of silver, which al- 
most immediately assumes a reddish tint. This substance 
corresponds to the sulfurhydrine of Cazin and the pyreneine 
of Fontan. 2 

Glairine. — This is an amorphous deposit, sometimes trans- 
parent and sometimes opaque. It is soft and unctuous to the 
touch, and is deposited in the reservoirs where the water accu- 
mulates. It is insoluble. Anglada thought it to be identical 
with baregine ; but the solubility of the latter and the insolu- 
bility of the former is of itself distinctive. Glairine, though 
containing nitrogen, is not one of those neutral nitrogenized 
substances termed albuminoids. It contains more carbon and 
hydrogen, but less oxygen and nitrogen. Bouis, in burning 
certain specimens of glairine, has found as much as eighty 
parts of silicious residue in a hundred. 

Sulfuraria. — This is a confervoid growth formed in sul- 
phur-waters the temperature of which is below 122° Fahr. 
Examined under the microscope, it presents the appearance of 
smooth, transparent, cylindrical tubes, filled with roundish 

1 The description of these substances is mostly compiled from the " Nouveau Diction- 
naire de MC-decine et de Chirurgie.'" Paris, 18T0, tome xii., p. 240. 

2 Leforfs " Traits de Chimie Hydrologique." Paris, 1S59, p. 304. 



62 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

globules, and often containing animalcules. Access of air to 
the water is indispensable to the formation of sulfuraria. In 
composition it is analogous to glairine, and when burned leaves 
a large amount of silicious residue. 

Besides the above-named organic substances, a number of 
microscopic algse have been described. 1 The monas sulfuraria, 
elliptical in form, from ^ to t J-q of a millimetre in diameter, 
and spotted with red, are supposed to pertain especially to 
calcic sulphur-waters. The oscillaires are greenish filiform 
bodies, from 5 to 30 millimetres in breadth, and varying in 
length in the same proportion. Each filament is composed of 
a diaphanous and almost mucilaginous tube, enclosing a series 
of minute disks covered with green matter, and which appear 
susceptible of contraction and dilatation in the direction of 
the axis. The gallionella ferruginea are of rectilinear, cylin- 
drical form, varying in dimensions from 10 1 00 to 10 |j o ir of a 
line, of a rusty color, almost always homogeneous, though oc-^ 
casionally presenting at intervals cells of diverse forms. Some- 
times they give a rusty color to the water in which they are 
found. 

That the presence of these organic constituents — especial- 
ly those first named, hydrosin and glairine — exercise an influ- 
ence in the action of the mineral waters in which they occur 
in large proportion, we cannot well doubt ; but precisely what 
this influence is, has not yet been determined. Durand-Fardel 
says : " It is probable they give to such waters a sedative ac- 
tion ; but more by simple contact than by physiological action. 
Indeed, waters which contain the largest proportion of organic 
matter in solution are generally less exciting than others, and 
possess even sedative properties in humid and pruriginous 
dermatoses and in neuropathic conditions." 2 In this country, 
the Red Sulphur Springs of Virginia have long been reputed . 
as sedative to the arterial system, when taken internally. They 
contain an unusually large proportion of organic matter. 

1 Ci Dictionnaire GTenerale des Eaux Minerales," tome ii., p. 159. 

2 Op. cit., tome ii., p. 479. 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 63 

CAKBOOTC ACID. 

Carbonic acid is an exceedingly heavy gas, being one and 
a half times heavier than air. For this reason it accumulates 
in wells and mines, and in rooms gravitates to the floor. It 
will not support combustion. A light is immediately extin- 
guished in an atmosphere largely impregnated with this gas. 

Carbonic acid, in some proportion, is found in almost all 
spring-water, and even in rain and river water it is present. 
The bright sparkle of certain waters and wines, and the pleas- 
ant acescent taste, is due to this gas. Indeed, water entirely 
deprived of carbonic acid is altogether unpalatable. Some 
spring-waters are so strongly charged with it in the depths of 
the earth, that when they escape they are projected many feet 
in the air. The Geyser Spring, of Saratoga, is an example. 

It is a singular fact that a gas, which, taken into the stom- 
ach in moderate quantities, is agreeable and healthful, should 
prove a deadly poison when inhaled. A mixture of forty parts 
of oxygen, forty-five parts of nitrogen, and only fifteen parts 
of carbonic acid, is sufficient to destroy life. The symptoms 
are as follows : First, a sensation of heat pervades the entire 
bodjr, the face is flushed, and the forehead covered with per- 
spiration. In a short time the heat becomes excessive, the 
face is intensely red or of a deathly pallor ; dizziness follows, 
the person totters in movement, and falls asphyxiated. 

The pleasant and cooling effects of carbonated water, when 
drunk, are familiar to nearly every one in this country, where 
drinking it in the form of soda-water is so universally practised 
during the summer months. In moderate quantities, it stimu- 
lates the flow of saliva, aids .digestion, slightly accelerates the 
pulse, renders the mind clear and the person cheerful. The 
imbibition, however, of large quantities causes sickness, vomit- 
ing, headache, vertigo, a tottering gait, and even asphyxia. 
Liebig tells us such results have especially followed after 
drinking large quantities of fermenting white wine, which on 
being introduced into the stomach evolves large quantities of 
carbonic acid, which enters the blood immediately, and has 
produced death in some instances. 



64 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Bathing in water highly charged with carbonic acid produces 
peculiar effects. The first sensation observed, if the water is 
below 86° Fahr., is, that'the water is colder than would be ex- 
pected from feeling it with the hand before entering. When 
in the bath, millions of minute gas-bubbles cover the body, 
producing a pricking or burning sensation, especially noticed 
on the scrotum, the nipples, and the labia. Many persons f&el 
this burning for several hours after the bath. During the 
bath, the pulse becomes fuller, but not accelerated. The gen- 
erative organs are powerfully stimulated. A bath of this kind 
is said to have an especial effect on the bladder. Patients 
who may sit in an ordinary warm-water bath for half an hour 
without desire to pass the urine, are compelled to do so after 
a few minutes' stay in the carbonic-acid water bath. 1 On leav- 
ing a bath of this kind, persons in health feel exceedingly 
exhilarated, and the inclination for muscular activity is decid- 
edly increased ; those who are semi-paralytic are said to walk 
more briskly. 

SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN. 

Next to carbonic acid, this gas is most frequently found in 
the waters of mineral springs. It is an exceedingly important 
constituent, and possesses decided influence over the action 
of waters in which it exists in large proportion. It frequently 
issues from the earth in the neighborhood of semi-active- vol- 
canoes, and is probably evolved through the decomposition 
of sulphurets by hot water. In some springs its presence is 
due to the double decomposition of sulphates, in the presence 
of organic matter. When sulphuretted hydrogen comes in 
contact with the air, it is readily changed, the hydrogen com- 
bines with oxygen, and sulphur is precipitated, giving to the 
water a milky appearance. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen is an irrespirable gas, quickly pro- 
ducing death if inhaled in considerable quantity. However, 
when largely diluted with air, it may be inhaled, and in this 
way has been used medicinally. The first symptom of the 

Althaus's " Spas of Europe, 1 ' p. 190. 



CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. 65 

poisonous action of the gas is a small and feeble pulse, indi- 
cating depression of the hearts action, together with a sen- 
sation of excessive feebleness. Taken internally, in water, in 
moderate quantities, it increases the activity of the intestines 
and augments the perspiration. If the water is highly charged 
with the gas, agitation, sleeplessness, and nervous excitement, 
are produced in some persons, similar to that resulting from 
strong coffee. Small quantities of the gas, applied to the 
mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, and bronchial tubes, 
stimulate the secretions. 

CARBTJRETTED HYDROGEN. 

This is the ordinary burning-gas used in cities. It escapes 
from some springs in large quantity, and is utilized for lighting 
the premises and heating water for the baths. It is not used 
medicinally. 

OXYGEN" AND NITROGEN. 

These gases exist in small quantities in nearly all springs, 
not, however, in such proportions as decidedly to affect their 
medicinal action. 

As a conclusion to this chapter, it may be well to give the 
following rules for the collection of mineral waters for chemi- 
cal analysis : 

Collect the water in a dry time, preferably during July, 
August, September, or October. 

Place it in new demijohns of black glass that have been 
well washed with ordinary water and thoroughly rinsed with 
water of the spring before filling. 

Close the demijohn with a fine, soft, new cork, which has 
previously soaked three days in the mineral water. 

Leave a small space between the cork and the water. 

Securely seal the demijohn. 

The filling and sealing of the demijohns should be done in 
the presence of a magistrate, who should stamp each cork 
with his official seal, and certify to the facts, so that no tam- 
pering with the water may be suspected. 

Quantity required for a qualitative examination, five gal- 
lons ; for a quantitative, from twenty to thirty. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THERAPEUTICS. 

In pursuing this most important branch of our subject, we 
will treat separately of each disease in which mineral waters 
prove beneficial, and refer to the classes of water adapted to 
them. A large number of maladies are immediately elimi- 
nated from consideration when we state, as a rule always to 
be remembered, that mineral waters are only applicable to the 
treatment of chronic diseases. 

In the course of many chronic diseases there are times 
when the malady is in abeyance, and the patient is apparently 
well; while at other periods it manifests itself in all its severity. 
The well-known disease, gout, is an illustration. During the 
paroxysms, it presents all the characteristics of an acute dis- 
ease; but in the intervals the person seems to enjoy good 
health, though liable to be overwhelmed at any time with an 
attack. These intervals may be termed periods of inactivity. 
The appropriate time for using a mineral water is during the 
inactivity of the disease. However, this rule will not apply 
to all chronic diseases, for some of them present no intervals 
of this kind. But it is always to be remembered that mineral 
waters should not be given when the patient is feverish and . 
the pulse excited ; these symptoms should first be allayed. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AND GENERAL DISEASES. 

Under this title are embraced cachectic diseases, depend- 
ing on a peculiar vice or condition of the fluids and solids of 
the body — diseases which are frequently hereditary ; and zy- 
motic diseases, due to a specific poison introduced into the 
blood from without, either by direct contact or by breathing 



THERAPEUTICS. 67 

an atmosphere charged with the infecting poison. Although 
they frequently present local manifestations, they do not uni- 
formly affect the same portions of the body ; and the person is 
in a condition in which it is impossible to say what part of the 
organism will testify to the morbid state. 

Rheumatism. — This is a disease so familiar to every one 
that little need be said concerning its peculiarities. It is well 
known that acute may eventuate in chronic rheumatism, and 
that those who in early life have been afflicted with the former 
are very liable, as years advance, to become subjects of the 
latter. 

Of chronic rheumatism there are three varieties. That 
ordinarily met with is known as chronic articular rheumatism. 
In this malady, one or more joints are the seat of more or less 
intense pain, for months or years ; a pain which is increased 
by motion or pressure. The joints may be swollen, but there 
is seldom heat or redness. After the disease has continued a 
long time, the joint may become stiffened — a result due not 
only to thickening of the adjoining structures, but also to 
want of motion. 

A second form of rheumatism is called deforming rheuma- 
tism, the rhumatisme noueux of French authors. It is sel- 
dom a result of acute rheumatism, and is more frequently 
observed in females than males. It usually attacks the joints 
of the hand and foot, invading them one by one. The joint 
attacked is the seat of almost continuous pain, though it is 
not often severe. It becomes gradually enlarged, and, on 
close examination, it will be found that the extremity of the 
bone is increased in size, and, in some instances, a bony for- 
mation has occurred within the joint, uniting the opposite 
synovial surfaces. The fingers at the same time become per- 
manently flexed, and frequently a slight dislocation occurs, 
which, when the hand is considerably involved, gives a dis- 
torted and knotty appearance. The joints of the hand most 
frequently attacked are those of the first, middle, and ring 
finger, while the thumb and little finger are frequently un- 
touched. In the foot, the great-toe is especially the seat of 



68 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

the disease. The disease is not, however, limited entirely to 
the hand and foot. Sometimes the hip-joint is affected by 
preference. A peculiarity of the disease is, that it almost in- 
variably attacks the corresponding joints on the opposite sides 
of the body at the same time. 

This form of rheumatism should be distinguished from the 
enlargement of gout, with which it is often confounded. In 
malformation of the joint from gout there are chalky deposits 
of urates, while in this disease the appearance of the joint 
results from osseous enlargement of the extremity of the 
bone. In gout the lower extremities are chiefly affected, while 
in this disease it is the upper. Women are most frequently 
the subjects of this malady, while gout principally occurs in 
men. 

A third form of chronic rheumatism may be mentioned, 
termed muscular rheumatism. This form, as its name implies, 
affects the muscles and sheaths. It is a much milder form 
than either of those described, and seldom occasions perma- 
nent stiffness or contractions. 

The treatment applicable to the different forms of chronic 
rheumatism does not vary materially. In all, the thermal 
waters should be chosen. These waters act more by heat than 
by their constituents. The temperature of the baths need not 
be high ; from 95° to 100° Fahr. is sufficiently warm, when the 
rheumatism is of the ordinary chronic articular kind. The 
duration of the bath should be about fifteen minutes at first ; 
and the time may be gradually extended till, toward the ter- 
mination of the treatment, the patient may remain an hour or 
more. A course of. baths usually consists of thirty in succes- 
sion ; and, if these are insufficient, it is best to suspend their 
use, to be again resumed a few months later. 1 A blanket- 
sweat after the bath is an exceedingly valuable auxiliary.' 
Particular care is necessary that cold be not taken after the 
bath. 

In cases of deforming rheumatism and chronic articular 
rheumatism, complicated with stiffening of the joints, baths 

1 Niemeyer's " Text Book of Medicine,'" American edition, vol. ii., p. 489. 



THERAPEUTICS. 69 

of the temperature mentioned should be used, but the use of 
the hot douche should be added. The temperature of this 
may vary from 106° to 120° Fahr., according to the case and 
the effect produced. In deforming rheumatism, Trousseau 
also recommends douches of hot sand as efficacious in promot- 
ing resolution and subduing pain. He says: "We should 
have the patient plunge the affected part in hot sand, or let 
the sand fall upon it at as high a temperature as possible. 
The patients complain of a painful sensation of burning ; nev- 
ertheless we can always, by the aid of the thermometer, grad- 
uate the temperature according to the degree of heat tolerated 
by each patient. This temperature may be from 140° to 158° 
Fahr. The douches, or local baths of hot sand, should be re- 
peated from two to three times per day, and during one or 
two hours. It is important that the sand be maintained at the 
same degree of temperature — a condition easy to obtain, as 
the sand cools slowly, and is always easily replaced when it 
commences to cool. In following this rule in the usage of hot 
sand, the patient soon obtains notable relief, and it is easy to 
perceive a rapid diminution in the articular engorgements." " 

One distinction may be made in the use of thermal waters 
in rheumatism. It is this : Rheumatics are divided into two 
classes — those of the lymphatic temperament and those of the 
nervous. In the former, waters rich in the.sulphurets have 
seemed to produce the best results, and baths of the higher 
temperature are usually indicated; while in the latter — the 
nervous temperament — waters containing but a small propor- . 
tion of constituents, and of moderate heat, are preferable. 

Gout is the malady of bon-vivants, those who indulge 
largely in the pleasures of the table, and inherit a tendency 
to the affection. There are several forms of the disease. In 
acute gout, the paroxysms are attended with excessive pain. 
In chronic gout, the attacks are accompanied with less pain 
and fever, but may continue for weeks and months, and several 
joints may be attacked at the same time. This form, also, is 
frequently accompanied with chalky deposits of urates in the 

1 " Clinique Medicale," Trousseau, tome iii., p. 3S1. 



70 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

joints. The anomalous or atonic form is one into which 
persons, previously the subjects of acute gout, fall ; an enfee- 
bled condition, accompanied by muscular weakness, dyspepsia, 
excessive perspirations, and increased sensitiveness ; and slight 
errors in diet, excitement, exposure to cold, or changes of 
weather, produce severe pains in one or more joints, resembling 
the beginning of an acute attack of gout, but which is never 
fully developed. There may also be gout in the stomach, in 
the heart, in the brain, and other internal organs, but such 
complications are rare. 

An attack of acute gout is one of the most painful affec- 
tions which the human body endures. "A person of full 
habit and easy circumstances, a free liver, complains for some 
days of diminished appetite, of somnolence, and of inaptitude 
of the mind ; usually of jovial disposition, he becomes irasci- 
ble, and the urine is found to deposit a red or brick-dust sedi- 
ment. On the day of the attack, however, these precursory 
symptoms subside. He retires at night and sleeps tranquilly ; 
but toward two or three o'clock in the morning he awakes 
with a sensation of pain in one of the great-toes. He changes 
the position of his foot, hoping to obtain relief, but no ameli- 
oration follows ; the pain increases slowly but surely in se- 
verity, till, finally, the touch of the covering is unbearable, and 
the slightest jar of the room or bed aggravates the pain, which 
he compares to a nail being driven into the joint, to . tearing 
asunder of the ligaments, to the clinching of a vice at the 
utmost pressure— in short, exhausts the vocabulary of painful 
comparisons. The skin is hot, the pulse bounding. Toward 
morning the pain moderates, and when day dawns he feels 
little or no pain, and passes a comparatively easy day. The 
seat of the pain is red and swollen. Toward evening, how- 
ever, the pain recommences, and during the night the previous 
tortures are repeated, again to subside in the morning. And 
each night, for as many as eight nights it may be, these pains 
recur." 

In this disease there is always a condition known as the 
" uric-acid diathesis ; " the blood is charged with uric acid, but 



THERAPEUTICS. H 

•whether it is the primary cause, or only a phenomenon in the 
course of the disease, is unknown. The burden of testimony 
points to the excess of uric acid as the cause, this excess, 
however, depending on a disturbance in the processes of as- 
similation. The patient seems to do well as long as the uric 
acid is freely excreted by the kidneys ; but when the urinif- 
erous tubules are plugged by deposits of urates, and the flow 
of urine is impeded, an attack of gout is the result. 

In treating this malady by mineral waters, an imperative 
rule is, that waters should only be used during intervals of the J 
attack, and as far distant from a preceding or succeeding at- / 
tack as we can determine. 

For the acute or regular gout, the alkaline waters are pref- 
erable to all others, those rich in carbonate of soda. Former- 
ly, a chemical theory obtained that the alkalies neutralized the 
excess of uric acid present; but this has long since been aban- 
doned. The tendency of these waters is to lessen the severity 
of the attacks and lengthen the interval between them ; but, 
if continued too long, there is great danger that regular gout 
may be converted into the chronic form, or that some impor- 
tant internal organ may become the seat of the disease. Trous- 
seau tells us : "I know of no medication more perilous than 
that of these waters" (Carlsbad, Vichy, Vals, etc.), "adminis- 
tered without reserve, without discernment, wdtkout regard to 
individual conditions of health, of the form of the gout, with- 
out attention whether the paroxysm has been long enough 
past, or whether a new attack is imminent. . . . Are you to 
understand by this that I proscribe their employment ? As- 
suredly, no ; and I believe, with M. Durand-Fardel, in their 
efficacious action, but within a restricted limit. As a general 
rule, alkaline waters should not be taken more than ten or 
twelve days in succession, and in very small quantities at a 
time. It is a good plan to return to the spring each month 
for the time that I have mentioned." * This method of using 
waters is, however, impracticable for most persons. It shows, 
at leaat. with how great circumspection their action should 

1 " Clinique M6dicale," tome iii, p. 357. 



72 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

be guarded in this disease. Authorities agree on this point : 
Whoever pursues a course of alkaline waters, should be cau- 
tioned not to deluge the system with the water, but to drink 
with great moderation ; three ordinary glasses per day of the 
stronger waters being amply sufficient. Frequently, one or 
two seasons of these waters will render a gouty subject com- 
paratively free from attacks, provided the person is exceed- 
ingly cautious in his table habits, eating meat but once a day, 
not partaking of wine or-beer, and restricting his diet chiefly 
to vegetables and soups. While taking alkaline waters, it is 
not unusual for a moderate paroxysm of gout to be excited. 
In this, however, there is no cause for alarm, a temporary sus- 
pension of the water being all that is indicated. 

In regular gout the use of baths is contra-indicated as a 
rule. Durand-Fardel says : " The treatment of acute gout is 
altogether internal ; however, baths may be employed in the 
absence of all actual manifestations of gout, and provided 
there is no tendency to irregular manifestations of the malady 
toward the head or chest. . . . The usage of douches is 
always to be dreaded." 1 

In chronic gout saline waters are indicated, those rich in 
chloride of sodium. And in this condition the same care in 
the use of waters is to be observed as in regular gout. The 
saline waters are especially useful in lymphatic temperaments. 

The favorable effects of the classes of waters named, in 
relieving gout, is supposed by Niemeyer to depend on the re- 
duction of plethora due to a misproportion between supply 
and demand in the body, " whether the plethora depend solely 
on hypertrophy of the blood, i. e., an increase of its cellular 
elements, and a certain density of the intercellular substance 
(the serum of the blood), or on an accompanying absolute in- 
crease of the amount of blood contained in the body. It is 
very interesting to note that the beneficial effect of these nat- 
ural mineral waters on plethora, which has been long known, 
and which far exceeds that of ordinary water, agrees with the 
observations of C. Schmidt and Vogel, according to which the 

1 "Dictionnaire des Eaus Min6rales," tome ii., p. 89. 



THEKAPEUTICS. 73 

amount of albumen in the serum of the blood is inversely pro- 
portional to the amount of salt." - 

In cases of anomalous or atonic gout, those presenting 
general cachexia, the reducing course of treatment should be 
abandoned. The patient may take more freely of nutriment, 
and a little wine may be permitted. The waters then indi- 
cated are the chalybeates, or the chloride of sodium waters, 
containing considerable iron. The author just quoted says : 
" It is always better to let the patient use the ferruginous al- 
kaline-saline and alkaline-muriatic mineral waters, such as 
Eger, Kissingen, or Homburg, than to prescribe simple ferru- 
ginous waters or preparations of iron." He adds: "In the 
later stages of the disease, the akrato-thermal springs — Wild- 
bad, Gastein, Pfaffers, etc. [hot waters, containing but a very 
small proportion of ingredients — W.], are very serviceable. 
We may have the patient drink of these waters and bathe in 
them ; perhaps the infarctions obstructing the tubules may be 
carried away by the former, and the kidneys washed out, as it 
were ; while the latter have the most beneficial effect on the in- 
flammation of the joints." a In using these last-named waters 
in this stage of the disease, we should remember the tendency 
of the malady, when too much interfered with, to leave the 
joints and attack some more vital part, and their effects should 
therefore be closely scrutinized. 

With the precautions mentioned,, thermal waters in the 
form of baths and douches may be employed with great bene- 
fit for the purpose of removing gouty deposits. 

Syjrfiilis. — For this frightful disease, the ravages of which 
are so much to be dreaded, there is no absolute cure. If men 
knew the perils of the disease, they would perhaps more care- 
fully guard against the contraction of a malady which often 
renders old age a burden, and manifests its effects even to 
children's children. We have said there is no absolute cure — 
no condition in which we can say the patient will never have 
symptoms of the virus which has penetrated his system ; nev- 
ertheless, under the use of proper remedies, the patient may, 

1 " Text-Book of Medicine," American edition, vol. ii., p. 504. a Ibid, vol. ii., p. 505. 



74 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

to all external appearance, be entirely cured, and may suffer 
little inconvenience from the disease. 

What is the value of mineral waters in this disease ? Ri- 
cord has affirmed that mineral waters are insufficient by them- 
selves to arrest the progress of the syphilitic virus ; and this 
view is sanctioned by the most competent observers — Vidal, 
Sigmund, Michaelis, Constantin James, and Durand-Fardel. 
All, however, agree that in many instances they are a valuable 
auxiliary; that in certain cases the action of anti-syphilitic 
remedies is thereby rendered more reliable ; that while using 
mineral waters the system is much more tolerant of the action 
of these medicines ; and that ill effects from the previous im- 
proper use of them are obviated. An additional value of 
mineral waters, especially the sulphur-waters, in this disease, 
is as a diagnostic criterion. While using them it frequently 
occurs that persons who considered themselves free from the 
disease, have observed with alarm the appearance of the old 
malady in the form of skin-disease. It seems that, however 
latent the disease, its manifestation is developed by sulphur- 
waters; and, as a rule, persons suspected of syphilis, who 
pursue a course of these waters without any symptoms super- 
vening, may be considered free from the disease. But in this, 
as in many medical problems, we do not arrive at mathemati- 
cal certainty. Ricord tells us there are instances of persons 
following a complete course of mineral-water treatment with- 
out any trace of the disease being manifested, and yet the 
following summer there has been a reappearance of the symp- 
toms. 

All classes of mineral waters have been used in the treat- 
ment of syphilis ; and, doubtless, they have proved useful, in 
greater or less degree, by their alterative action, in conjunc- 
tion with other medicines. Durand-Fardel says : " It appears 
beyond question that the association of mineral waters with 
specific medication is w T ell adapted to overcome the resistance 
which the morbid constitution of some individuals oppose 
thereto. Most frequently this is a state of anaemia and gen- 
eral debility — a mingled consequence of the disease and the 



THERAPEUTICS. 75 

treatment, in face of which the mercurials and iodide of potas- 
sium are inactive or dangerous. . . . V e will with difficulty 
find a better combination of agencies capable of restoring the 
organism enfeebled by the diathesis, or under the prolonged 
influence of alteratives. The adjoining circumstances of alti- 
tude — air and sunlight — add to the remedial efficacy of the 
sulphurous and chloride of sodium waters, already indicated. 
We exclude neither the marine treatment ; neither mother- 
waters (concentrated saline waters) ; neither the processes of 
hydrotherapy. The internal use of chalybeate waters, and 
of those which, as Challes, Saxon, or Wildegg, are sensibly 
iodurated, recommends itself in certain conditions." ' 

The method of treatment which has received most favor in 
this country, when springs are resorted to, is that by hot baths. 
This manner of elimination, by exciting all the emunctories of 
the system in an unusual degree, highly commends itself. In 
this wa} 7 changes of tissue are wrought in a few weeks that 
would otherwise require years ; and, along with the d&bris, 
the syphilitic poison is expelled. And, when sulphur and sa- 
line waters are employed, the hot bath cannot well be dis- 
pensed with; indeed, at all springs where this disease is 
treated, it is an important auxiliary. The various highly-min- 
eralized waters which are efficacious, probably act by the force 
that is imparted to specific medicines already absorbed in pre- 
vious courses of treatment. 

Metallic Poisoning. — "Workers in various metals are sub- 
ject to various symptoms, both of the digestive and nervous 
systems, due to the slow -absorption of the metal through the 
skin and lungs, producing a condition of chronic poisoning. 
Painter's colic is an ordinary form of this poisoning by lead, 
while that form of paralysis, known as " wrist-drop," is a fur- 
ther development of the disease. We may also class certain 
cases of syphilis that have been overtreated by mercurials un- 
der this head. 

The waters which prove most efficacious in these conditions 
are those of the sulphur class ; and, if they be thermal, so that 

1 Op. tit, tome ii., pp. 813, 814. 



76 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

the elimination of the metal may be aided by hot baths, so 
much the more are they appropriate. As a subsequent meas- 
ure in anaemic and' debilitated patients, the chalybeate waters 
will frequently prove beneficial. 

Diabetes Mellitus. — Not every case in which sugar is found 
in the urine is a true case of diabetes mellitus ; for there are 
sometimes healthy persons in whom a small proportion of su- 
gar in the urine is an occasional condition ; but they present 
none of the early characteristics of the disease — such as in- 
creased thirst, passage of immoderate quantities of urine, ex- 
aggeration of appetite, and feebleness of vision. 

When, however, we have to do with a clear case of sac- 
charine diabetes, what is the value of mineral waters in the 
treatment ? We answer that, in many instances, they are un- 
equivocal, though, at the same time, it must be added that as 
far as observed they are but palliative. The waters which 
have given evidence of utility are the alkaline and calcic 
waters — those rich in carbonates of soda, magnesia, etc. The 
treatment by alkaline waters has been followed with much ad- 
vantage for many years at Vichy, in France, and Karlsbad, in 
Germany. Of the alkaline-saline thermals of Karlsbad, Nie- 
meyer says : " In our present state of knowledge, a course of 
waters at Karlsbad is the measure which should deserve the 
chief reliance as a remedy for diabetes mellitus." * 

During the use of these waters the quantity of sugar ex- 
creted is remarkably diminished, and all trace sometimes dis- 
appears ; the inordinate thirst is also relieved, and the patient 
improves in strength. By successive seasons at these springs, 
together with proper attention to diet and exercise, the course 
of the malady has been stayed for years. Neither should bal- 
neary measures be omitted — a course of baths stimulating the 
functions of the skin proves a valuable adjunct. In this coun- 
try the same beneficial results have followed the use of alka- 
line and calcic waters ; and this has led proprietors of recently- 
discovered springs to exaggerate their efficacy in this disease. 
Let it be understood, however, that positive relief may be ob- 

1 "Text-Book of Medicine," American edition, vol. ii., p. 759. 



THERAPEUTICS. 77 

tained by alkaline waters more certainly than by any other 
remedy. But we should not forget that the administration of 
the alkaline remedies of the shops sometimes procures similar 
results, though not equally satisfactory. 

These waters are only to be resorted to in the first and 
second stages of the disease, before pulmonary phthisis or 
other profound lesions complicate the case. "When these su- 
pervene, the malady is beyond the resource of medical art. 

Intermittent Fever. — There is no evidence showing that 
the paroxysms of intermittent fever can be arrested by the use 
of mineral waters. In cases of paludal cachexia, however, they 
may modify the general condition of the system, so that appro- 
priate remedies will readily yield the desired result. Under 
their use the chronic engorge m en ts of the liver and spleen, 
produced by repeated paroxysms, are often entirely relieved. 
The waters most highly recommended are the alkaline — those 
strong in alkaline carbonates x — and containing a certain propor- 
tion of iron. Saline waters also produce favorable results ; hot 
baths, in some instances, change an obstinate quartan or septan 
into a tertian, which readily yields to the usual treatment. 

Chronic Dysentery. — Probably no country has ever known 
more of this terrible disease than our own — a disease that, 
during the late war, decimated the forces by invalidism and 
death, and sent many home to linger through a life of anxiety 
and pain — some of whom are living at this day, continually 
harassed by the malady. 

The disease in the army was due to exposure, fatigue, pal- 
udal miasm, and a diet devoid of fresh meat and vegetables. 
The effect of miasm and a scorbutic diet has been clearly de- 
monstrated. But, after the patient is entirely removed from 
the influence of these productive causes, there remains an ul- 
cerated, inflamed, and irritable condition of the colon, which 
continues almost indefinitely. This same irritable and 'ulcer- 
ated condition of the colon sometimes occurs in civil life as a 
sequel of acute dysentery. The milder forms, unaccompanied 
by ulceration, are known as chronic diarrhoea. 

1 Trousseau's " CTinique M6dicale," tome iii., p. 57. 



78 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

The treatment of this disease has proved exceedingly un- 
satisfactory ; many drugs giving temporary relief, but a slight 
cold or error in diet bringing it back with its former force. 
The ulcerated and inflamed surfaces are in the condition of a 
chronic ulcer, externally, which may for a time be inactive, 
but does not heal. Many mineral waters in this country are 
claimed to be a remedy for this condition. Those, however, 
which possess the most unequivocal testimony in their favor 
are the so-called alum-waters of Virginia, which are well 
worthy of trial in a disease so difficult of cure. 

Anasarca, or dropsy, not being a disease,- but a symptom 
of disease, it is not necessary to treat of it separately. It may- 
be remedied, in some instances, by waters that relieve the con- 
dition on which it depends. 

Cancer. — There is no reliable record of cure of this dis- 
ease by mineral waters, though there are undoubted instances 
of considerable amelioration of symptoms. Cases of lupus 
and chronic ulcers have no doubt healed under their use, and 
hence has arisen the claim of cure for cancer. The waters 
which have attracted most attention in this disease are those 
of Sheldon, Vermont. Under the description of these waters 
this question is discussed. 

Scrofula. — In this malady, or class of maladies, the best 
authorities bear uniform testimony in favor of the value of 
mineral waters. There are two classes of scrofulous persons ; 
those of slender frame, with accelerated pulse and overactive 
nervous system, and those who are clumsy and thick-set, with 
enlarged nose and upper lip, and in whom the adipose tissue 
is strongly developed, the heart-action slow, and the nervous 
system obtuse. It is to this last class that mineral waters are 
best adapted. 

First among waters for the relief of scrofula are the saline. 
Durand-Fardel says: "It is necessary to thoroughly under- 
stand the following rule of practice. Whenever we wish to 
remedy profound and confirmed scrofulous affections, such as 
show the constitutional dyscrasia in the most unmistakable 
manner, it is to waters strongly mineralized by chloride of 



THEKAPEUTICS. 79 

sodium that we must resort." * These waters are used both 
internally and in the form of baths. The strong brine-bath, 
formed by concentration of saline waters, is especially useful. 
Speaking of these baths, after giving the indications for cod- 
liver oil, Niemeyer says : " It is far more difficult to furnish 
definite instructions for the use of the brine-baths, whose anti- 
scrofulous virtues enjoy a reputation almost as great as that 
of cod-liver oil. We know too little about the action of these 
baths, and about the effect which they produce upon nutrition, 
and the advantages derived from the salt, iodine, and bromine, 
which they contain, to enable us to determine upon theoreti- 
cal principles where they are indicated, and where they are 
unlikely to do good. . . . Hence there is no resource but 
to send persons who have in vain tried cod-liver oil, and other 
anti-scrofulous remedies, to Kreutznach, Ischel, Kosen, or Wit- 
tekind, or some similar watering-place, in the hope that they 
may be among those to whom the baths will exhibit their anti- 
scrofulous virtues, which are by no means illusory." 2 

Sea-bathing also enters appropriately into the treatment 
of certain conditions of scrofulous habit. Here the action is 
complex, for, adjoined to immersion in the saline waters of 
the ocean, we have the continuous inhalation of sea-air. Sea- 
baths seem best adapted to those conditions in which the 
scrofulous diathesis is not fully developed. When the dys- 
crasia is well marked, and inveterate local manifestations are 
exhibited, they do not answer so good a purpose. 

Sulphur-waters are deemed especially applicable to those 
forms of scrofula accompanied by lesions of the skin, known as 
scrofulides. For these scrofulous diseases of the skin Hardy 
tells us, " in the form of baths mineral waters possess a happy 
influence ; the sulphur-waters, and, above all, those which are 
very rich in sulphur ; good success is also obtained by the 
bromo-iodated waters." 3 

In this country, besides waters of the classes named, the 

1 " Dictionnaire Generate des Eaux Minerales," tome ii., p. 749. 

2 " Text-Book of Medicine," American edition, vol. ii., p. 747. 

3 "Lecons sur la Scrofule et les Scrofulides," Paris, 1864, p. 91. 



80 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Rockbridge Alum and the Healing Springs of Virginia enjoy 
considerable and well-deserved reputation in the treatment 
of scrofula. The last-named is especially adapted to those 
cases accompanied with ulceration of the skin or mucous 
membrane. 

In the cure of scrofula by mineral waters, a cure cannot be 
accomplished by a short season of two or three weeks. It is 
frequently necessary to remain at the springs for two or three 
months, and perhaps to return the succeeding season to com- 
plete the cure. 

Ancemia is the condition in which the red globules of the 
blood are diminished in quantity, and the other constituents 
are altered in character. It is not a disease in itself, but the 
result of many morbid conditions, especially such as prevail in 
numerous chronic diseases. Whenever the treatment of anae- 
mia is the prominent indication in the course of a chronic disease, 
chalybeate waters should be selected, choosing those which, 
because of the additional constituents besides the iron, are ap- 
plicable to the cure of the disease bv which anaemia has been 
induced. 

Chlorosis. — This condition is to be distinguished from 
anaemia, associated with other diseases, such as phthisis pul- 
monalis, albuminuria, dyspepsia, syphilis, etc. The deficiency 
of the cellular elements of the blood — the red blood-globules — 
is the prominent characteristic, the number decreasing so that 
they may not amount to one-half the usual quantity, while the 
other elements of the blood remain normal. In anaemia, as a 
result of disease, not only is the number of globules reduced, 
but the constituents of the blood are altered in character and 
quantity. Chlorosis is essentially a disease of early woman- 
hood, and is in some unknown way connected with the pro- 
cess of development. The skin and mucous membranes are 
of a pallid hue, accompanied in some instances by a yellow- 
ish or greenish tint. The remedy above all others is iron, 
and, when it is desirable to send patients suffering from this 
disease to the springs, the chalybeate waters are to be chosen. 
The change of scene, and air and exercise, associated with a 



THERAPEUTICS. 81 

season at the springs, contribute largely to the effect of the 
waters. Sea-bathing is also of marked utility in these cases. 

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

Hemiplegia, or paralysis of one side of the body from cere- 
bral apoplexy, is one of the most frequent forms of paralysis. 
The recovery in these cases is a work of Nature, and not of 
medicine, though by the proper use of mineral waters the pro- 
cess may be aided in some instances. After an apoplectic at- 
tack, not severe enough to destroy life, the communication 
between the brain and muscles is interrupted by the blood-clot 
pressing upon the intervening nervous filaments, or one side 
of the brain itself may be so pressed upon that impulse is not 
generated, and, as a consequence, we have entire suspension 
of motion of that portion of the body over which the impli- 
cated structures preside. Sensation is also abolished. Soon 
after the first effects of the apoplectic seizure have passed 
away, including the inflammatory fever, which is a result of 
the injury to the brain-substance, the condition of the patient 
begins slowly to improve, the more fluid portions of the clot 
are gradually absorbed, the pressure on the nerve-filaments 
is lessened, and, as a result, sensation is perhaps altogether 
restored, and motion partially. This process occupies months. 
At a certain point, however, the improvement ceases, the fluid 
portions of the clot have been absorbed, and there remains a 
shrunken nodule which is but slightly susceptible of absorp- 
tion. It is just at this point that mineral waters may prove 
useful. By promoting metamorphosis of tissue, they may still 
further advance the absorptive process. For this purpose 
saline waters are preferred, with common consent, for, while 
they promote the process of resolution, they do not stimulate 
the nerve-centres, as is the case with strong sulphur- waters. 1 
"Waters feebly mineralized, and of elevated temperature, also 
produce good results in hemiplegia. In commending these 
thermal loaters, Niemeyer says : " We must not hope that the 
destroyed filaments of the brain will be restored by the use 

1 " Dictionnaire Gen6rale des Eaux Minerales v " tome ii., p. 498. 



82 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

of these waters, but experience shows that, at these places 
(Wildbad, Gastein, Pfaffers),both cerebral and spinal paralysis 
often improve ; probably this improvement is due to the favor- 
able influence of the baths on the inflammation about the clot, 
and on that portion of the paralysis due to it." 1 

Mineral waters should not, then, be resorted to soon after 
an apoplectic seizure, but a certain length of time should 
elapse. As a general rule, about the fifth or sixth month after 
the attack is the most favorable time for the use of mineral 
waters. 2 In this disease waters are used both internally and 
externally. The nearer to the attack the stronger is the indi- 
cation for the internal use of waters, and more especially the 
laxative salines. In this manner it may be hoped that absorp- 
tion will be advanced. Later, however, when all that can be 
gained in this way has been obtained, warm douches should 
be employed, expecting thereby to stimulate the peripheric 
nerves and arouse the inactive muscles. Nothing, however, is 
to be gained when the hemiplegic paralysis is of some years' 
standing, and the muscles will not respond to the stimulation 
of the electric current. 

JParaplegia, or loss of motion in the lower extremities, is 
due either to functional derangement or organic disease of the 
spinal cord. It is in the first form only that we are to expect 
favorable results from treatment by mineral waters. When 
paraplegia is a result of rheumatism, syphilis, venereal excess, 
or chronic metallic poisoning, we may expect some success 
from their use. In the paraplegia consecutive to accouche- 
ment, Prof. Siebold strongly recommends the waters of Tftp- 
litz, in Bohemia (thermal waters, from 100° to 120° Fahr.). 

The waters which have proved most efficacious in paraple- 
gia are those of the thermal class. They are used both as a 
bath and douche. The mode of employing the waters of 
Wildbad, in Austria (91° to 100° Fahr.), in paraplegia, is thus 
described by Constantin James : " They first administer baths 
of from ten to fifteen minutes ; then they augment the dura- 

1 "Text-Book of Medicine," vol. ii., p. 202. 

2 " Guide aux Eaux Minerales," Constantin James, p. 410. 



THERAPEUTICS. 83 

tion so as finally to arrive at baths of an hour, which, how- 
ever, they shorten or suspend altogether the moment symptoms 
of reaction are manifest. It is usually between the first and 
second week that benefit commences to be experienced. At 
this period they sometimes begin the use of the douche, of 
which the volume and the fall should possess but a very feeble 
degree of percussion. By the discreet application of the 
douche, the good effects of the waters are much aided." 1 

In paraplegia due to syphilis, or chronic metallic poisoning, 
we may appropriately apply those thermal waters which, be- 
sides heat, contain ingredients that act directly in eliminating 
the original cause of the disease. 

It is perhaps best to repeat that paraplegia is only bene- 
fited when there is no organic lesion of the spinal cord. If 
the muscles of a paraplegic do not respond on testing them 
with the electric current, and the limbs are diminished in size, 
we can hope for no remedial effect from mineral waters. 

locomotor ataxia is characterized by an inability to prop- 
erly control the movements of the limbs in walking, though 
muscular force remains. It is due to organic changes in the 
posterior columns of the lower portion of the spinal cord, and 
is little influenced in its unfavorable course by treatment of 
any kind. Trousseau, however, recommends sulphur -baths? 
and Niemeyer favors thermal waters, not with expectation of 
cure, but as giving relief. Niemeyer says: "There is no 
doubt that tabes patients have been decidedly benefited by 
the treatment at these places (Wildbad, Gastein, Ragaz, Pfaf- 
fers, Toplitz, etc.)." 3 

Neuralgia. — In the treatment of neuralgia we have fre- 
quently to do with what may be termed a neuralgic constitu- 
tion — one in which the nerves are in an irritable state, and 
readily impressed by external influences. This nervous condi- 
tion is almost invariably accompanied by an asthenic state of 
the system ; and, that we may relieve the neuralgias to which 

1 " Guide aux Eaux Min6rales," p. 244. 
9 " Clinique Medicale," tome ii., p. 550 
3 " Text-Book of Medicine," American edition, voL ii., p. 2T6. 
5 



84 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

these persons are subject, we must address our remedies to 
the general condition. For this purpose, light, air, and exer- 
cise, are exceedingly important. And to these we may add the 
use of baths and mineral waters, by no means second in im- 
portance. The thermal waters are those which most frequently 
produce favorable results ; not those of a high degree of heat, 
but such as are of moderate temperature, and where there are 
facilities for taking prolonged warm baths and douches of 
varying temperature. It should be added, however, that in 
some atonic cases most benefit is derived from a sudden and 
short immersion in a cold bath, or by the use of transition 
douches. Chalybeate waters are also valuable in anaemic cases. 
Sea-baths prove exceedingly eifective in many instances. 

The various local neuralgias, such as facial, brachial, and 
sciatic, are often dependent on rheumatism, syphilis, or metal- 
lic poisoning. It is in rheumatismal cases that the best results 
are obtained ; and indeed it is the cure of these cases that has 
given to many thermal springs the great reputation they pos- 
sess in this disease. When the neuralgia is a result of syphilis, 
we treat this condition ; and when it arises from metallic poi- 
soning, the sulphur-waters are of decided benefit. A favorite 
and valuable method of treating sciatic neuralgia is by the 
warm or hot douche. Especially has this proved beneficial 
when there is chronic inflammation of the nerve or nerve- 
sheaths. 

HYSTERIA. 

This disease is too often considered by the laity as a whim 
of a foolish woman, instead of a derangement of the nervous 
system, which it really is. Of the many kinds of treatment 
to which we are frequently compelled to resort, that of a 
sojourn at an appropriate watering-place affords hope of relief. 
If the patient be chlorotic, she should be recommended to 
chalybeate waters, especially those where, by their elevated 
temperature, there are 'facilities for pursuing a course of baths. 
Sulphur waters also prove beneficial, by their reconstituent 
property, choosing those which are sedative in action and are 



THERAPEUTICS. 85 

adapted for bathing. The prominent advantages of a life at 
the sea-side and sea-bathing should not be forgotten. 

hypocho:nt>eia. 

Those who have had occasion to treat this disease are 
well aware of the many dilemmas in which we are placed, in 
order to satisfy the craving of the patient for something new 
in the way of treatment, and at the same time to prescribe a 
remedy that may really tend toward removing the malady. 
Under such circumstances, we may recommend these patients 
to certain mineral springs with the expectation that they will 
be benefited, temporarily, at least. The waters that prove 
most useful are the saline and pur gat ive waters. They should 
be rich in carbonic acid, so that they agree with the stomach. 
Their efficacy depends on their favorable influence on engorged 
abdominal viscera, which frequently occupy a causative rela- 
tion to this disease. When dyspepsia forms a prominent feat- 
ure, the saline waters are to be preferred. Niemeyer says : 
"The benefit often derived from the springs of Karlsbad, 
Marienbad, and Kissingen [purgative and saline waters — W.], 
in the treatment of this affection, is no doubt mainly due to the 
beneficial effect exerted by these waters upon diseases of the 
gastric organs, which so frequently prove a source of hypochon- 
driasis." * • 

DISEASES OP THE HEAET. 

This class is named only to remark that organic lesions or 
changes of the heart are in no wise relieved by mineral wa- 
ters ; on the contrary, there is so much danger from their use 
that, as a rule, they should be avoided. Functional derange- 
ments, however, such as palpitation, are frequently relieved, 
not by any direct action upon the heart, but by their favorable 
influence on the malady on which palpitation depends, as dys- 
pepsia, anasmia, chlorosis, etc. 

DISEASES OF THE EESPIEATORY SYSTEM. 

Chronic Laryngitis. — This disease is otherwise known as 

1 Op. cit, vol. ii., p. 898. 



86 MINERAL SPRINGS 

clergyman f s sore-throat, chronic laryngeal catarrh, etc. It is 
characterized by a chronic inflammation of the mucous mem- 
brane lining the pharynx and larynx. The secretion from this 
membrane may be increased in quantity, but vitiated, becom- 
ing an acrid and viscid discharge, or it may be almost entirely 
suspended, causing the throat to feel exceedingly dry and un- 
comfortable. The mucous membrane also becomes thickened, 
the vocal cords included, and a harsh and hoarse voice is pro- 
duced, or it may be almost altogether lost. The disease usually 
commences in the pharynx, and extends to the larynx. It is, 
however, seldom noticed in the early stages, as, until the voice 
begins to be involved, the patient is seldom alarmed. 

In this disease mineral waters occupy a deservedly high 
position as a curative agent. Those most frequently useful 
are the sulphur-waters rich in sodium, and the alkaline waters 
rich in chloride of sodium. In speaking of Eaux Bonnes, typ- 
ical waters of the sulphuretted-sodium kind, Durand-Fardel 
observes : "A long experience has proved that their usage, al- 
most exclusively internal, in doses progressively increasing, 
produces happy effects, especially in lymphatic subjects slightly 
impressionable, and when the affection assumes a passive 
character." 1 Gibb also testifies in favor of these waters, espe- 
cially in very chronic cases. 2 The use of this class of waters, 
in the form of spray projected against the posterior wall of 
the pharynx or directly into the larynx, also exercises a bene- 
ficial effect. 

Concerning the alkaline chloride-of-sodium waters, we can- 
not do better than quote the remarks of Niemeyer at length : 

" The use of the alkaline muriatic mineral waters (Sauer- 
iinge, Halloid salts) has an unmistakable influence upon the 
course of many cases of chronic laryngeal catarrhj which, un- 
fortunately, cannot as yet be distinguished from the cases in 
which it fails. For this mode of cure it is better to send the 
patient to such places as Ems, Obersalzbrunnen, or Gleichen- 
berg, and, only when his means will not permit him to do oth- 

1 " Dictionnaire des Eaux Minerales, 1 ' tome ii., p. 247. 

2 " Diseases of the Throat and Windpipe." London, 18t>4, p. 14. 



THERAPEUTICS 87 

erwise, to allow him to use seltzer-water or one of the so-called 
mineral waters, as a cure at home. We may let him drink the 
Ems or Kesselbrunnen water, or the Krahnchen of Ems, on the 
spot, as they have respectively a temperature of 117° Fahr., 
and 90° Fahr., without the addition of warm milk or warm 
whey ; in order to warm them, it is better to mix the Obersalz- 
brunnen or the imported Ems water, with equal parts of hot 
milk. That the far more customary addition of whey should 
have any real advantage over that of milk is at least doubt- 
ful. The ' well-prepared whey ' at celebrated watering-places — 
furnished generally by a ' Swiss,' and, if possible, by an Apen- 
zeller in his national costume — so much lauded in the news- 
papers and bath journals, and to which often more credit is 
given than the springs themselves, is merely milk minus cheese, 
and can hardly effect more than the milk from which the cheese 
has not been eliminated. It is only in the somewhat rare cases 
in which milk is not well borne by the patient, while the whey 
is borne well or better, that I allow the latter to be added to 
the mineral water instead. 

" Several hypotheses have been advanced as to the action 
of the alkaline-muriatic mineral waters. The fact that the 
ashes of the mucus are richer in salt (chloride of sodium) than 
the ashes of the blood, and that mucus becomes less tenacious 
upon the addition of salt, seems certainly to indicate that salt 
plays an important role in the formation of mucus, but it by 
no means justifies the conclusion that the use of salt effects a 
cure or more rapid resolution of the catarrhal process. 

" In other quarters (Sprengler) the principal importance has 
been attributed to the amount of alkaline carbonates contained 
in these mineral waters, and depending on an observation of 
~Virchow' > s Ji according to which, very dilute solutions of alka- 
lies are capable of exciting the ciliary movements in epithelium. 
They assert, in explanation of the beneficial action of the waters 
in question, that their use reestablishes the extinguished or re- 
pressed ciliary vibrations. Grave objections may be brought 
against this explanation of the action of the saline waters, 
which is not merely palliative, but in many cases absolutely 



88 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

curative, and we must be content with the empirical fact that 
the springs of Ems, Obersalzbrunnen, and Selters [alkaline 
and alkaline-saline waters — W.], have often alleviated or cured 
chronic laryngeal catarrh ; the cold sulphur-springs, too (such 
as those of Weilbach, in the dukedom of Nassau, of Eilsen, in 
the principality of Schamburg-Lippe, of Langenbrucken, in the 
grand-dukedom of Baden), which we usually make use of like 
those of Obersalzbrunnen and Selters, mixed with warm milk 
or whey. The sulphur-springs, also, of the Pyrenees, above all 
Eaux Bonnes, are, with good reason, in repute in the treatment 
of chronic laryngitis. Our conjectures as to the modus ope- 
randi of these waters are as yet vague and untenable ; a matter, 
however, far less to be regretted than the fact that we have no 
criterion whereby to predetermine the cases in which relief 
may be expected, and those in which they do no good." 1 

Associated with consumption there is sometimes a chronic 
laryngitis, frequently accompanied by ulcerations, known as 
laryngeal phthisis. In these cases temporary relief is some- 
times obtained by the moderate use of the above-mentioned 
waters with warm milk. It should be remembered, however, 
that the use of mineral waters in large quantities is injurious 
in cases of phthisis pulmonalis. 

Chronic Pharyngitis. — This is the same disease as that 
above described, the seat being, however, limited to the phar- 
ynx. The treatment by mineral waters is the same as indicated 
in chronic laryngitis. 

Chronic Bronchitis. — When bronchitis has continued for 
a long time, assuming the form known as chronic bronchial 
catarrh, or bro7ichorrhcea, marked relief is frequently obtained 
by the use of appropriate mineral waters. 

The persons, however, in whom chronic bronchitis occurs 
may be divided into three classes, the scrofulous, the lymphatic, 
and the dartrous, or those who have a constitutional tendency 
to non-specific skin-disease. All authorities agree that sul- 
phur-waters are especially adapted to the catarrhs of lymphatic 
constitutions, and the more lymphatism is developed the more 

1 " Text-Book of Medicine," American edition, vol. i., pp. 10-12. 



THERAPEUTICS. 89 

certainly are sulphur-waters indicated. But if the patient is 
not of the lymphatic t3 7 pe, and, on the contrary, is of a san- 
guine or irritable temperament, and the cough torments by its 
frequency, the calming or sedative waters, associated with 
temperate baths, are indicated. Of waters adapted to this 
condition, the Red Sulphur, in Virginia, may be mentioned. 
If the patient is of the decidedly scrofulous type, then sul- 
phur-waters rich in chloride of sodium, the saline sulphur' 
waters, should find preference. "When the catarrhal condition 
is allied to the dartrous, or herpetic diathesis, the indication is 
still to use sulphur-waters ; but care should be taken to rec- 
ommend those which are notably sulphurous, and, at the same 
time, a somewhat active course of bathing should be pursued. 

Soon after commencing a course of sulphur-waters the 
malady is frequently aggravated, and some authorities have 
thought this necessary to the relief of the disease. It is 
probable, however, that this is but a result of the general ex- 
citement usually produced by sulphur-waters, and in no way 
necessary to the treatment. Indeed, when it appears, it is an 
indication for the temporary suspension of the water or diuii- 
nution in the quantity taken. In this connection, Durand- 
Fardel saj^s : " But we believe, in the generality of cases, it is 
more frequently a result of the treatment than a means of 
cure. That which tends to prove this is, that many catarrhal 
affections are cured without showing appreciable signs of 
excitation, and that the treatment is often successfully applied 
in the absence of catarrhal conditions at the time." 1 

Asthma. — The cases of this disease may be divided into 
two classes — the humid, accompanied by chronic catarrh, and 
the dry, or purely nervous. The last-named cases are not 
benefited by mineral waters, and the former only inasmuch as 
the disease is associated with chronic bronchitis. It is the 
favorable action of mineral waters on this conjoined condition 
that sometimes affords relief in these cases. It should, how- 
ever, be remembered that no case of asthma should be sub- 
jected to the use of mineral waters, without a thorough exam- 

1 "Dictionnaire Generate des Eaux Minerales," tome i., p. 394. 



90 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ination to determine whether general emphysema, or organic 
disease of the heart or large blood-vessels exists, either of 
which is sufficient reason for advising against the use of min- 
eral waters. It may be added that cases of nervous asthma 
are sometimes relieved on resorting to springs ; this is due, 
however, to a change of residence. 

Consumption. — True phthisis pulmonalis is so little amen- 
able to treatment by mineral waters, that we only mention 
the disease in order to advise patients against cherishing ex- 
travagant hopes concerning the reputed virtues of certain 
advertised springs. In the majority of cases, more harm than 
good is the result of an attempt to use mineral waters. There 
are cases, however, complicated* by chronic bronchitis, with pro- 
fuse bronchorrhcea, which are somewhat alleviated by waters 
applicable to the latter malady. The relief of these cases, 
together with the cure of cases of chronic bronchitis, wrongly 
diagnosed as consumption, forms the only known foundation 
for the reputation of mineral waters in this disease. 

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 

Dyspepsia. — In the proper acceptation of the term, this 
word designates a functional derangement of the stomach. 

The stomach may be subject to inertia, the peristaltic 
movements being performed slowly and with pain ; or, it may 
be overactive, the ingesta being forced forward into the duo- 
denum before the necessary stomach digestion has taken place. 
There may be diminished secretion of the gastric juice, or 
there may be over-secretion of this fluid, known as acid dys- 
pepsia. In each of these forms, mineral waters may prove of 
utility, but it is in the last named that they have proved sig- 
nally efficacious. 

Before considering the treatment of dyspepsia by mineral 
waters, it may be well to state that nearly every mineral spring 
in the country names dyspepsia as one of the diseases to which 
it is peculiarly adapted. The explanation of this fact is readily 
understoed, when we remember that in many cases of this 
trouble a change from the close confinement of a city, and the 



THEKAPEUTICS. 91 

harassing cares of business, to the open fields, the pure air, 
and the healthful exercise of the country, is sufficient for relief 
without drinking a drop of mineral water. 

In acid dyspepsia the alkaline waters have proved of ex- 
ceeding utility — those containing a considerable proportion of 
carbonate of soda and largely impregnated with carbonic-acid 
gas. Their efficacy in these cases is undoubted, and the prescrip- 
tion of them is of long standing. It may be noted, however, that 
their value does not depend, according to present belief, on a 
neutralization of the acid of the stomach by an alkali. This 
theory, which long prevailed, has been abandoned. 

When acid dyspepsia is accompanied by the evolution of 
large quantities of gas, it is known as flatulent dyspepsia. 
Then the saline waters should be prescribed in preference. 
Why this should be so is readily understood. The alkaline 
waters, by the carbonic acid which they contain, and the evo- 
lution of this gas in the stomach, would tend to increase the flat- 
ulence. In considering this form of dyspepsia, Trousseau says : 
" Mineral waters are here equally of incontestable utility ; but 
it is no longer to Vichy, Karlsbad, or Pougues, that we should 
send the patient ; these waters are harmful ; it is Niederbronn 
and Forbach, of which the predominating principles are the 
same as those which enter into the composition of sea-water, 
that we should recommend ; it is to Nauheim, Soden, Kissin- 
gen, chloride of sodium waters, as the first." 1 Sometimes acid 
dyspepsia is allied to chlorosis in females. Then a chalyb- 
eate water, rich in carbonic acid, should be selected. 

In dyspepsias allied to constipation and engorgement of 
the abdominal viscera — a not unusual complication — the mildly 
purgative sulphur or saline waters should be employed. 

Gastritis. — The chronic form of this malady is limited to 
the mucous membrane of the stomach, and has received the 
name of chronic gastric catarrh. It is closely allied to dys- 
pepsia ; indeed, if this term is applied in its broad significa- 
tion, it is a dyspepsia ; and on this account it has been almost 
entirely overlooked by some writers. 

* " Clinique Medicale," tome iii., p. 51. 



92 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

The symptoms of this malady are the following : One of 
the principal complaints of the patient is of a sense of fulness 
and pressure in the stomach, which is increased by eating, 
but seldom amounts to severe pain. With this sense of ful- 
ness there is usually some prominence of the epigastrium, 
caused by accumulation of gas in the stomach and retention 
of food, owing to the slowness of the digestive process. 
There are also eructations of gas, accompanied with a sour and 
acrid fluid. Sometimes there is vomiting. If vomiting does 
occur, it is usually mixed with considerable mucus. This is 
especially the case in the chronic gastric catarrh of tipplers. 
The sensation of hunger is almost lost, although the body may 
be much emaciated. If hunger, however, does occur, it is sat- 
isfied by a few mouthfuls. The catarrh may extend upward 
to the mouth, or downward into the intestines ; in the latter 
case, frequently producing diarrhoea. The disease is usually 
accompanied with mental depression, which, in some instances, 
develops into hypochondria. 

The causes of chronic gastritis are varied; prominent 
among them are articles of food that over-stimulate the mu- 
cous membrane of the stomach — such as highly-spiced sauces 
and meats. But the most frequent cause is the abuse of spir- 
ituous liquors. 

The waters best adapted to the treatment of this disease 
are the alkaline waters — those rich in carbonate of soda. In 
cases associated with obstinate constipation, we should choose 
waters which, besides the carbonate of soda, contain a mod- 
erate proportion of laxative sulphates or chloride of sodium. 

In the treatment of this malady Prof. Niemeyer highly ex- 
tols the alkaline purgative waters of Karlsbad and Marienbad. 
He says : " The use of the waters of Karlsbad and Marienbad. 
has the most wonderful results," and adds : " The results from 
this treatment are the most brilliant that are ever obtained in 
medicine." 1 He also says : " The learned professors of the 
Vienna and Prague schools prize the use of the warm springs 
of Karlsbad as the best remedy for chronic gastric catarrh." 

i " Text-Book of Medicine," vc 1. i., p. 499. * Op. cit., vol. i., p. 499. 



THERAPEUTICS. 93 

It need hardly be added that the patient should subject 
himself to rigid dietetic rules during treatment. He should eat 
sparingly of meats and avoid stimulating sauces. Spirituous 
liquors must be entirely abandoned. The patient should eat 
but little at night, and drink the water in the morning, before 
breakfast. This meal should not be taken for an hour after 
the last glass of water. 

Gastric Ulcer. — When this affection is diagnosed, the 
waters found preferable are the alJcaUne,jich in carbonates. 
The warm springs of this class are to be preferred, or, in ab- 
sence of them, waters from springs of this class may be warmed. 
The waters should be taken in the same manner as indicated 
in chronic gastritis. The results from the use of the proper 
mineral water are exceedingly satisfactory. 1 

Gastralgia. — This disease is also known as cardialgia. 
The name, however, is frequently misapplied, and dyspeptic 
persons suffering from pain or burning in the stomach are said 
to have gastralgia ; in its proper meaning a malady of much 
greater gravity is signified. It is a purely nervous disorder, 
characterized by excessive pain in the stomach, coming on in 
paroxysms, at intervals usually of two or three days. "When 
free from pain the patient may feel well, digestion being nor- 
mally performed. The following is a graphic description of a 
paroxysm, from Romberg : 

" Suddenly or after a precedent feeling of pressure, there 
is severe griping pain in the pit of the stomach, usually ex- 
tending to the back, with a feeling of faintness, shrunken 
countenance, cold hands and feet, and small, intermittent pulse. 
The pain becomes so excessive that the patient cries out. 
The epigastrium is either puffed out like a ball, or, as is more 
frequently the case, retracted, with tension of the abdominal 
walls. There is often pulsation in the epigastrium. Exter- 
nal pressure is well borne, and not unfrequently the patient 
presses the pit of the stomach against some firm substance, 
or compresses it with his hand. Sympathetic pains often 
occur in the thorax, under the sternum, in the cesophagean 

1 Op. ait, vol. i., p. 518. 



94 ' MINERAL SPEINGS. 

branches of the pneumogastric, while they are rare in the ex- 
terior of the body. 

" The attack lasts from a few minutes to half an hour ; then 
the pain gradually subsides, leaving the patient much ex- 
hausted, or else it ceases suddenly, with eructation of gas or 
watery fluid, with vomiting, with a gentle soft perspiration, or 
with the passage of reddish urine." x 

This description applies to the disease as it shows itself in 
the severest form. There are, however, many minor degrees 
which still bear the well-marked symptoms. 

In the use of mineral waters, whether in the severe or mild 
forms of the disease, it should be remembered that they should 
be taken only in the intervals of the attacks. 

The alkaline waters act most efficiently in this disease, the 
more certainly, according as they are used at a period distant 
from the attack. Under their influences the malady is fre- 
quently entirely relieved. In cases associated with chlorosis, 
alkaline waters, containing a proportion of iron, are indicated. 

Constipation. — This condition depends, as a rule, either on 
deficiency of the intestinal secretion or inactivity of the mus- 
cular coat of the bowels. It is not, usually, a primary disease, 
but symptomatic of some other derangement. As a rule, the 
frankly purgative waters are not indicated ; those, however, 
which are mildly aperient, gently stimulate the intestinal secre- 
tions, and prove beneficial. In obstinate constipation, asso- 
ciated with dyspepsia, Trousseau recommends laxative waters, 
after having tried his favorite remedy, belladonna and other 
correctives, without avail. 2 Durand-Fardel recommends the 
alkaline (carbonate of soda) waters, which, although sometimes 
constipating in themselves at first, tend to excite intestinal 
and biliary secretion, and thinks that enough attention has not 
been given to the use of alkaline-saline waters in this condition. 3 

Haemorrhoids. — Mineral waters do not act directly in cur- 
ing this disease, but indirectly they sometimes prove of decided 

1 From Niemeyer's " Text-Book of Medicine." 

2 " Clinique Medicale," tome iii., p. 61. 

3 " Dictiormaire cles Eaux Mmerales," tome i., p. 489. 



THERAPEUTICS. 95 

utility. Haemorrhoids frequently depend on a condition of the 
abdominal organs, termed by the old authors abdominal pleth- 
ora, one in which the liver, spleen, pancreas, and mesentery, 
are unusually filled with blood, and the current moves slowly. 
By the action of waters in stimulating the abdominal circula- 
tion and diminishing engorgement, much relief may be given. 
The waters which have proved most beneficial are the saline 
waters and saline sulphur-waters. It is well to combine the 
employment of baths. 

Engorged Liver. — In almost all chronic hyperasmic condi- 
tions of the liver, mineral waters prove curative. Although 
the fact that engorged conditions of the liver exist, and pre- 
cede grave lesions, is undoubted, still it is difficult exactly to 
define or diagnose the condition. As a rule, the subject of en- 
gorged liver presents a dusky or muddy complexion, the tongue 
is coated, the bowels are constipated, the appetite is uncertain, 
there is a pappy taste in the mouth, and a feeling of fulness in 
the head, especially after eating. The causes which produce 
engorgement of the liver are continued excess in eating, com- 
bined with sedentary habits; repeated and long-continued at- 
tacks of malarial fever ; excessive indulgence in malt liquors ; 
and organic lesions of the valves of the right side of the heart. 

The waters which prove most valuable, in engorgement of 
the liver from any of the causes named, are the saline watery 
alkaline purgative waters, and saline sulphur-waters. These 
waters produce their effect by liquefying the bile, promoting its 
flow, and by the increased movement which they impart to the 
action of the intestinal tube. 

Frerichs, an acknowledged authority on diseases of the 
liver, gives prominent place to mineral waters in the treatment. 
When giving the treatment in chronic hyperasmia from over- 
feeding, he names several remedies, but in conclusion says we 
can remedy the condition " still better by regulating the intes- 
tinal secretions by the use of the springs of Kissingen, Hom- 
burg, Marienbad, and Karlsbad." * And in hyperasmia from 
obstructed circulation, when the condition of the patient is not 

1 French's "Diseases of the Liver," Sydenham edition, vol. i., p. 376. 



96 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

threatening, he says, " We may often succeed in procuring per- 
manent relief by the careful employment of the Ragoczy spring 
of Kissingen, or the Mill spring of Karlsbad." * He, however, 
adds that, if the disease of the valves is far advanced, or the 
muscular tissues of the heart are much enfeebled, the waters 
are inappropriate. 

In the application of mineral waters for the cure of en- 
gorged liver, it is exceedingly desirable to add the employ- 
ment of prolonged warm baths to the internal use of the 
water, and warm douches over the region of the liver also aid 
the action of the water. 

Gall-Stones. — The passage of biliary calculi from the gall- 
bladder through the bile-ducts into the duodenum, often causes 
the most intense pain the human organism can endure. Under 
severe attacks of hepatic colic the patient writhes from side to 
side of the bed, and cold perspiration often covers the surface 
of the body. If asked to describe the pain, he compares it to 
the cutting of a knife — to the boring of a red-hot iron through 
the side. The cause of the suffering is the distension of the 
bile-duct, by a gall-stone in its passage, and the intensity de- 
pends on the size of the calculus. Any remedy, then, that will 
surely mitigate or cure these terrible attacks, merits attention. 
This mineral waters will do more successfully than any known 
medicine. 

The causes of the formation of gall-stones are obscure. The 
general impression is, that they result from a thickened condi- 
tion of the bile, in which crystallization and concentration of 
its salts take place, and that this condition is usually associated 
with free living, a sedentary life, and corpulence. 

The waters which prove of greatest utility are the alkaline 
waters, the saline- sulphur waters, and saline waters, those of 
the first class being preferable. These waters doubtless act 
by the fluidity of the bile, which they produce, thereby reduc- 
ing the tendency to formation of the stones, 2 and by their alter- 

1 0p.c«'f.,vol.i.,p.367. 

2 Murchison, " Diseases of the Liver," p. 359, says, " In dogs, for instance, with biliary 
fistulse, the mere drinking of large quantities of water will increase the amount of water in 
the bile." 



THERAPEUTICS. 97 

ative action influencing the nutrition of the liver. Under the 
use of the waters the patient not unfrequently has slight at- 
tacks of biliary colic, passing large numbers of calculi, to be 
followed, however, by immunity from paroxysms. The spring 
selected varies according to the condition of the patient, 
whether in addition to alkalinity a tonic or laxative effect be 
required. 

In recommending a treatment for gall-stones, Trousseau 
says : " What we should do is to endeavor to regulate the func- 
tions of the bile, so as to prevent the return of the colic. . . . 
It is in answering this indication that the waters of Pougues, 
Contrexville, Vichy, Karlsbad, and Vals, are of so incontes- 
table utility in the treatment of biliary gravel. . . . Under 
the influence of this potent medication, properly directed, the 
patients lose the unfortunate aptitude which they have con- 
tracted." : 

Niemeyer says : " We do not know whether their efficacy 
depends solely on the formation of a thin fluid bile, by which 
the gall-stones are readily washed downward, or whether the 
bile is rendered so strongly alkaline by the use of these waters 
as to dissolve the coloring-matter and lime, or the cholesterine ; 
but we should not delay prescribing the treatment till its mode 
of action can be explained." 2 

Frerichs and Murchison both favor the use of waters. 
After recommending Karlsbad, Vichy, Ems, etc., Frerich says : 
" These mineral waters have certainly proved the most effica- 
cious remedies against gall-stones. In many severe cases I 
have directed my patients to go to Karlsbad, and have known 
them to return cured. ... I have known favorable results 
ensue under my own eyes from drinking the water brought 
from the Mill spring of Karlsbad, either cold or warm." 3 

Fatty Liver. — In cases of this disease, mineral waters are 
recommended by Frerichs and Murchison, the alkaline toaters, 
muriated alkaline waters, and saline waters, the same that are 

1 " Clinique Medicale," tome iii., p. 237 

2 "Text-Book of Medicine," American edition, vol. i., p. 703. 

3 " Diseases of the Liver," London, 1861, vol. ii., p. 531. 



98 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

employed in engorgement of the liver. These waters apply to 
the fatty liver as developed in corpulent persons, and not to 
the form which occurs in consumption. 

Jaundice. — This is a symptom of disease, and not a dis- 
ease. It arises from obstruction of the flow of bile from the 
liver and gall-bladder into the intestines, or from non-separa- 
tion of the coloring-matter from the blood, owing to impair- 
ment of action in the liver. It is to cases of jaundice arising 
from obstruction that mineral waters are best adapted. The 
most prominent cause of jaundice from obstruction is the im- 
paction, or inertia, of gall-stones in their passage through the 
bile-ducts. It has already been treated under gall-stones. The 
second cause is catarrh of i^lie biliary ducts. 

When jaundice arises from the last-named cause the alka- 
line waters, or muriated alkaline waters, should be prescribed. 
The saline sulphur-waters also answer well in these cases. 

Frerichs, in speaking of the Karlsbad, Marienbad, Kissin- 
gen, etc., in these cases, says : " They are with difficulty re- 
placed by any other remedies in cases where the jaundice owes 
its origin to chronic congestion of the liver, with obstinate 
catarrh of the bile-ducts and mucous membrane of the stomach 
and duodenum, to gall-stones," etc. 1 

In jaundice, as a sequence of constipation, those waters 
which act favorably on this condition will also remedy this 
symptom. 

Gravel. — The formation of gravel within the kidneys or 
bladder is the result of a constitutional condition, and does not 
depend on derangement of the organs in which the deposit 
takes place. However, the deposit of gravel in these organs 
causes irritation, chronic catarrh, and inflammation. The dis- 
ease frequently depends on functional disturbance of the di- 
gestive system. Mineral waters procure relief in two ways : 
primarily, by the soothing influence they produce on the irri- 
tation or chronic inflammation of the ureters and bladder; 
secondarily, by the correction of the constitutional vice which 
causes the excretion of gravelly urine. 

1 " Diseases of the Liver," vol. i., p. 124. 



THERAPEUTICS. 99 

Gravel is divided into the uric-acid, the phosphatie, and 
the oxalic, according to the chemical constitution of the deposit. 
Or it is classed as acid gravel, i. e., the uric-acid and the oxalic- 
acid gravel ; or alkaline gravel, i. e., the phosphatie. In cases 
of acid gravel the urine is acid to test-paper, while, in alkaline 
gravel, the urine is alkaline. 

In prescribing mineral waters for gravel, these distinctions 
should be remembered : In uric acid, or red gravel, and in 
oxalic gravel, the alkaline waters or the calcic waters should 
be chosen. Under the use of these waters the urine loses its 
acidity and becomes neutral, and the pain in the lumbar region 
and in the bladder passes away. However, it is not unusual 
in the commencement of treatment for the patient to pass a 
considerable quantity of gravel, but without much pain, and, 
finally, he experiences complete relief, in which condition he 
may remain for eight or twelve months ; or, by employment 
of the waters during several successive seasons, entire freedom 
from attack may be secured for many years, complete con- 
stitutional change being wrought in the system. 1 Combined 
with the internal use of the waters, it is advisable to employ 
warm baths and douches. If, under treatment, the attacks of 
gravel, or nephritic colic, are increased in frequency or sever- 
ity, it is an indication to diminish the quantity of water ad- 
ministered, or resort to waters less strongly mineralized. In 
phosphatie gravel the strongly alkaline waters are not to be 
employed; the calcic waters then afford the greatest relief. 
In this variety of gravel the water acts more by its impression 
on the urinary organs, which are then the seat of catarrh, than 
by its effect on the general system. 

How calcic waters relieve gravel is not understood. One 
hundred years ago, lime-water was a favorite and efficient 
remedy in this disease. (See " Caeboistate or Lime.") 

Calculus. — Stone in the bladder is only an aggregation of 
the deposit which constitutes gravel, into a solid mass of vary- 
ing size. It depends on the same causes, may be separated 
into the same divisions, and is relieved by the same classes of 

1 Trousseau's " Clinique Medicale," tome iii., p. 48. 



100 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

waters. In this condition, however, it is relief only that can 
be obtained. The irritation of the bladder, caused by the pres- 
ence of the stone, will be palliated, the general system may 
be so acted upon that the diathesis will be corrected, and the 
stone will not increase in volume ; but there is no evidence 
that solution of the calculus can be produced. 1 A calculus, 
subjected to the action of certain mineral waters in a test-tube, 
may be partially disintegrated ; but the human body is not a 
test-tube, and no such saturation of the urine by a mineral 
water can be caused as to represent a similar condition. 

After the calculus has been removed by surgical operation, 
it is advisable to use mineral waters for the purpose of cor- 
recting the morbid condition that led to its formation, and 
prevent a new concretion. 

In cases of renal calculus and hematuria, mineral waters 
prove of decided utility. In these cases the waters applicable 
to gravel prove appropriate. In giving the treatment of these 
conditions Sir Henry Thompson says, " Of all medicinal reme- 
dies perhaps none are so valuable as mineral w T aters, especially 
those which have sulphate of soda largely diluted as the main 
ingredient. Take Karlsbad, Friedrichs-halle, and Marienbad, 
as an example." 2 It will be perceived that he prefers alka- 
line purgative waters to pure alkaline. 

'Vesical Catarrh. — Catarrh of the bladder results from any 
cause which produces frequent and long-continued retention 
of urine, and hence is a frequent accompaniment of calculus, 
enlargement of the prostate, and stricture of the urethra. In 
some instances it proceeds from cold, or is essentially a dis- 
ease of the mucous membrane of the bladder, without regard 
to extraneous causes. 

When catarrh arises from the first-named cause, calculus, 
it is amenable to the treatment named under that head. 

Resulting from other causes, the waters most favorable are 
mild calcic and alkaline waters / not that they exercise any 
influence on the cause of the disease, but, by modifying the 

1 Durand-Fardel, op. cit, tome i., p. 351. 

2 " On the Urinary Organs," American edition, 1869, p. 202. 



THERAPEUTICS. 101 

constitution of the urine, they often give decided relief. It 
should be mentioned, however, that in this disease the bladder 
is frequently very irritable, and, under the administration of 
waters, dysuria is readily produced. The action of the water 
should therefore be closely scrutinized. 

Albuminuria. — Bright's disease is mentioned only to state 
that there is no reliable evidence that mineral waters will cure 
it, though they may prove palliative. 

DISEASES OF THE UTERUS. 

Chronic Metritis. — For convenience of treatment, we em- 
brace three separate conditions under this designation, i. e., 
uterine engorgement, uterine catarrh, and cervical ulcerations. 
This arrangement is made from the fact that these diseases 
frequently depend on a morbid constitution, and it is through 
the correction of this condition that the internal administra- 
tion of waters proves curative. The constitutional conditions 
that most frequently dominate over the uterine malady are 
scrofulous, rheumatic, and herpetic (or dartrous). 

When a scrofulous tendency predominates, the uterine 
malady usually assumes the form of engorgement. In these 
cases saline waters produce the best results, correcting the con- 
stitutional condition, and possessing a resolutive action in 
uterine and peri-uterine engorgement. They, however, dis- 
pose directly to uterine haemorrhage, and therefore the stronger 
waters should not be selected, especially if the patient be sub- 
ject to menorrrhagia. 1 

If the rheumatic diathesis is dominant, thermal waters, 
containing a proportion of alkalies, should be directed. Alka- 
line waters, like saline waters, possess a resolutive action in 
engorgements, but, unlike them, do not tend to cause uterine 
haemorrhage. 

The herpetic or dartrous a constitution is most amenable to 
sulphur-waters. When this condition prevails, the uterine 
malady is most frequently accompanied by uterine and vaginal 

1 Durand-Fardel, "Bulletin Generate tfe Therapeutique," 1872, tome Ixxxii., p. 484. 

2 The dartrous constitution is described under diseases of the skin. 



102 MINERAL SPKINGS. 

catarrh. When congestion and neuralgia are prominent, these 
waters are not applicable, neither are they in cases compli- 
cated by menorrhagia. 1 Those which are but little exciting 
should be selected. 

In the treatment of chronic metritis by mineral waters, 
balneary measures occupy a prominent place. The swimming- 
bath of moderate temperature (82° to 93° Fahr.) is that best 
adapted. The patient should remain in the bath for a consid- 
erable time — as long as half an hour, or even an hour. The 
vaginal douche would seem to be indicated in this disease, but 
it has been found injurious, the percussion caused by the injec- 
tion of a stream of water against the neck of the uterus 
tending to produce congestion. Neither have douches in the 
lumbar region, or parts in the vicinity of the uterus, proved 
beneficial. Durand-Fardel says, " Save for exceptional cases 
they should be banished from the treatment of this disease." 
If it is desirable to act directly on a catarrh or ulceration, irri- 
gations of feeble temperature and devoid of impulsive force 
should alone be employed. 

Amenorrhea. — This condition is allied to various states 
of the organism. It frequently presents in young girls of 
delicate constitution and scrofulous or lymphatic temperament. 
They are almost always chlorotic. In cases of this kind there 
is much to be hoped from a resort to springs ; more, probably, 
from change of air, scene, and exercise, than from the waters. 
However, saline waters and sulphur-waters, especially those 
containing a proportion of iron, aid the recovery. To the in- 
ternal use of the waters it is well to join swimming-baths of 
moderate temperature. Sea-bathing also gives favorable re- 
sults when the person reacts well after the bath. 

Sometimes suppression of menstruation is united with a 
plethoric condition. In these cases waters of a different type 
must be selected, those containing but a small proportion of 
constituents and which possess a calming or sedative influence. 
This indication is most frequently met with in thermal waters 
of moderate temperature. 

1 Durand-Fardel, loc. cit. 



THERAPEUTICS. 103 

Dysmenorrhea. — Painful menstruation, in many instances, 
depends on the same causes which induce amenorrhcea, and 
the same waters are indicated. Occurring in anaemic, chlo- 
rotic, and scrofulous girls, as a result of delayed development, 
the saline waters or sulphur-waters, combined with tepid bath- 
ing, are beneficial. Chalybeate waters are also appropriate. 

When plethora and erethism of the nervous system exist, 
thermal waters of moderate temperature and but little miner- 
alized are preferable. Cases are also benefited by the contin- 
ued use of alkaline waters of very moderate strength. 

It need hardly be stated that cases of dysmenorrhcea, de- 
pending on displacement of the uterus or constriction of the 
cervical canal, are beyond the power of mineral waters, and 
require surgical treatment. 

Leucorrhoea. — This disease is a frequent accompaniment 
of chronic metritis, and depends on similar general conditions 
of the system. It is, however, more frequently manifested 
when metritis occurs in the herpetic or dartrous constitution. 
The waters then most favorable are sulphur-waters — those 
but feebly mineralized, as a rule ; though, in some instances, 
the stronger waters yield excellent results. The highly-min- 
eralized waters should, however, be used guardedly, lest uterine 
congestion be produced. 

Combined with the internal use of waters, the tepid bath 
(82° to 93° Fahr.) should be employed. The vaginal douche 
is of service, provided it be employed only as an irrigation, 
without any propulsion against the uterus. 

In cases of leucorrhcea marked by anaemia or chlorosis, the 
mild chalybeate waters may be advantageously employed. 

Sterility. — The inaptitude of the uterus for conception de- 
pends on such varied causes that no mineral water can be con- 
sidered a specific remedy. Nevertheless, by the relief of the 
causes, some of which are named in the preceding pages, min- 
eral waters may prove corrective. 

When the origin is an enfeebled condition of the genera- 
tive organs, without other complication, bathing in waters 
highly charged with carbonic-acid gas is an efficient stimulant, 



104 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

often leading to the desired result. Chalybeate waters and 
sea-bathing also exercise a favorable influence in certain cases. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 

The reputation which mineral waters have obtained in the 
treatment of skin-disease is based almost entirely on their 
efficacy in a single well-defined class of those diseases ; i. e., 
the dartrous or herpetic. These diseases, according to M. 
Hardy, are distinguished as follows : " We call dartres vari- 
ous non-contagious elementary lesions of the skin, often he- 
reditary, reproducing themselves in an almost constant man- 
ner, presenting itching as a chief symptom, always disposed 
to invade new regions, habitually chronic, and in which there 
is no cicatrix left after cure, although there may have been 
ulcerations." 1 In persons who are subjects of the dartrous or 
herpetic diathesis the cutaneous surface is usually dry, and 
perspiration does not take place readily. They generally eat 
freely. The skin is often the seat of itching, even in the ab- 
sence of eruption, and is exceedingly susceptible, slight ex- 
cesses in taking liquor, drinking coffee, certain articles of 
food, as shell-fish, lobsters, or crabs, irritant frictions, or the 
application of a plaster, developing cutaneous eruptions. But 
not only is the skin the seat of dartrous maladies — there are 
also various affections of the mucous membrane, embracing 
granular sore-throat, dartre of the nose, certain asthmas, 
chronic bronchitic affections, and catarrhal disorders of the 
genito-urinary organs. It is a singular fact that in some 
cases the sudden disappearance of an external manifestation 
of this diathesis, eczema, for example, is followed by an attack 
of bronchitis, and on the subsidence of the bronchitis the ecze- 
ma returns. In some women the cure of eczema is immedi- 
ately followed by leucorrhcea. Similar results sometimes suc- 
ceed the disappearance of psoriasis. 

The skin-diseases which belong to this diathesis are eczema, 
lichen, psoriasis, and pityriasis. The different forms of eczema 
are sometimes called moist dartres, while the others are termed 

1 "Lepons sur les Maladies de la Peau," Paris, 1860, p. 19. 



THERAPEUTICS. 105 

dry or scaly dartres. These eruptions are all chronic in char- 
acter, perpetuating themselves indefinitely for months and 
years. 

Eczema. — Humid scale or tetter is one of the most fre- 
quent skin-diseases. It is characterized by the development 
of small vesicles and vesico-pustules, or by a red and thick- 
ened epidermis, from which there is a more or less abundant 
serous or sero-purulent secretion, which may form crusts and 
terminate by a scaly desquamation. The eruption is accom- 
panied by excessive itching. Though a chronic disease, it 
may sometimes run its course in six or eight weeks, to reap- 
pear, however, in a few months or a year — the person suffer- 
ing from it never feeling sure of freedom from an attack. 
There are many varieties of the disease, named according to 
the aspect, configuration, and location of the eruption. Im- 
petigo is one of the most frequent forms. 

In the treatment of this malady sulphur-waters often prove 
efficient, especially those of the subdivisions known as saline 
s-ulphur-icaters. In those cases, however, which present acute 
sj'mptoms during the invasion, such as excessive fatigue, head- 
ache, pain in the back, and fever, mineral waters should not 
be employed. Those waters which are highly mineralized 
should always be used with care, because of the irritation fre- 
quently produced. 

The waters are used internally and in the form of baths. 
After having taken a number of baths all the- local manifesta- 
tions of the disease are often increased ; but, on suspending 
or moderating the baths, the irritation is allayed, to be again 
excited by their use. The patient may quit the baths despair- 
ing and discontented ; the eczema is lighted up once or twice 
afterward, and thence ceases. In other cases, however, the 
eruption gradually disappears, under the use of the waters, 
without occurrence of irritative phenomena. In order to ob- 
tain permanent relief from this malady, it is usually necessary 
to resort to the springs for several successive seasons. Not 
all cases, however, are susceptible of cure, though ameliora- 
tion may always be anticipated. 



106 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Lichen. — This excessively chronic malady is characterized 
at its commencement by clusters of papules, surrounded by a 
red halo. This halo finally disappears, leaving the skin rough, 
thick, and seamed. The seat of the eruption is usually in- 
tensely itchy, and upon it there are small crusts or minute 
scales. 

The waters most suited to the treatment of this disease are 
the sulphur and saline sulphur. In certain cases complicated 
by gastralgia, alkaline waters prove valuable. 1 The contin- 
ued use of the waters in the form of baths is a necessity, and, 
in some instances, it is desirable to push the treatment until 
the bath-eruption, la poussee, is established, and- a cure by sub- 
stitution inaugurated. 

Psoriasis. — Dry scall, or scaly tetter, is characterized by 
thick, dry, white, shiny scales, the skin beneath being dry, 
much thickened, of a dull-red color, and the seat of more or 
less itching. When the eruption is of long duration, the skin 
is frequently seamed and cracked. The patches of the erup- 
tion are various in form; and on whatever part of the person 
they occur, they will also be found, as a rule, in the vicinity 
of the elbows and knees. In this, as in all dartrous maladies, 
the sulphur-waters are the most efficient, used internally and 
in the way of baths. On this point Hardy expresses himself 
thus : " In fine, there is a remedy which should serve to con- 
firm the cure, and which sometimes alone suffices to produce 
a cure in cases where all other means have failed, in psoriasis 
inveterata, for example — I mean sulphur- waters." 2 Durand- 
Fardel counsels the saline-sulphur waters internally, and that 
prolonged warm baths be employed until the eruptions known 
as lapoussee or Bad Friesel are produced. The thermal waters 
containing but a small proportion of ingredients are of de- 
cided value for this purpose. 

Pityriasis. — The most frequent manifestation of this dis- 
ease is that occupying the head, and known as dandruff. It 
is only when it exhibits itself on other parts of the body that 

1 Hardy, op. cit, p. 100. 

2 "Legons sur les Maladies de la Peau," Paris, 1860, p. 120. 



SHftFER'S IH!KEML1llfATEB DEPOT, 

' 47 & 49 N. CHARLES ST., 

THERAPEUTICS. 107 

mineral waters are of much avail. It is the mildest exhibition 
of the dartrous diathesis, but exceedingly rebellious to treat- 
ment. Sulphur-waters are those that should be employed. 

We have given the dartrous maladies in which mineral 
waters are eminently beneficial. Besides these diseases, there 
are various affections of the skin, due to scrofula or syphilis, in 
which mineral waters prove efficacious. In those of scrofulous 
character, the saline-sulphur waters are preferable. In syphi- 
litic diseases of the skin, we must choose between sulphur and 
thermal waters. Neither, however, are alone sufficient for 
cure. In addition, it may be noted that, in certain inveterate 
cases of acne and prurigo, sulphur-waters prove curative. 

In the application of mineral waters to diseases of the skin, 
baths are more to be relied on than internal administration, 
though both should be combined. In certain inveterate chronic 
diseases of the skin, it is desirable gradually to prolong the 
duration of the baths, and continue them until the eruptions 
known as la poussee are fully established. 1 In this way, the 
original disease is replaced by a different eruption, which dis- 
appears without a return of the old malady. For the purpose 
of producing the bath-eruption, the thermal waters, containing 
but a small proportion of ingredients, are sometimes exceed- 
ingly efficient, and produce a cure without other agency. 

SURGICAL DISEASES. 

Anchylosis. — This term is applied to stiffness or immobility 
of a joint. There are two kinds, the true and the false. In 
the former, adhesions of bone form between the articular sur- 
faces ; in the latter, there are no adhesions, but the ligaments 
and tendons are thickened hj deposits, or have lost the power 
of motion by want of use. The conditions which produce false 
anchylosis are met with when a limb has been confined in an 
apparatus for a long time after fracture. And the same result 
may follow after dislocation or sprain. In each instance, 
there is usually an inflammatory deposit, resulting from the 

1 Hardy, " Lecons sur les Maladies de la Peaii," deuxieme partie. p. 126. 

6 



108 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

original injury. The thickening of the fibrinous and tendi- 
nous structures, which accompanies rheumatism, frequently 
produces a similar anchylosis. The want of use, which follows 
paralysis, often leaves a joint in a condition of false anchylosis. 
From whatever cause false anchylosis occurs, decided ben- 
efit or cure is always to be expected from the appropriate 
application of mineral waters. The waters to be preferred are 
thermal waters, of the sulphur or saline class. A high degree 
of thermality is essential. The waters are to be employed in 
the form of warm baths to the body, and hot douches to the 
joint. The douches should be accompanied with shampooing 
and friction. The internal use of waters at the same time 
probably aid in procuring absorption of exudations. It should, 
however, be stated that thermal waters, containing an exceed- 
ingly small proportion of constituents, seem to produce equally 
good results, showing that the benefits result almost entirely 
from the outward application. Mineral mud-baths are much 
used abroad in these cases, ^nd are supposed to aid the ab- 
sorptive process. 

Contractions. — This term is here used to indicate the short- 
ening and rigidity of muscles, often rendering a limb almost 
useless, and causing deformity. It arises from a variety of 
causes, such, as rheumatism, scrofula, gout, syphilis, or external 
injury. In the treatment of this condition by mineral waters, 
regard is to be given to these causes ; but the especial virtue 
of the waters depends on the warm baths and hot douches, 
such as are found at thermal springs. That thermal water, 
therefore, should be selected which by virtue of its constitu- 
ents especially acts on the originating cause. Mineral mud- 
baths are also thought to aid in these cases. 

Hydrarthrosis. — This term is applied both to dropsy of 
a joint and that severe tubercular disease known as white- 
swelling. 

Dropsy of a joint may arise from external injury, or it may 
depend on a rheumatic, scrofulous, or gouty constitution. Some- 
times it is a result of syphilis. When the condition is chronic, 
mineral waters prove valuable in the form of warm baths and 



THERAPEUTICS. 109 

douches. Those thermal waters are especially valuable which 
answer the constitutional indications. 

White-swelling is an exceedingly formidable disease, affect- 
ing the joints. It occurs chiefly, if not alone, in scrofulous 
subjects. The malady is usually subacute in its progress, and 
therefore not adapted to treatment by mineral waters. When 
peculiarly chronic in its course, the general health may be im- 
proved by a resort to springs, and absorption may be aided by 
baths and douches. These applications should, however, be 
employed with extreme reserve, and by no means relied on 
alone. 

Coxalgia, — Hip-joint disease is but a manifestation of 
white-swelling in that articulation, and the restrictions given 
regarding the subjection of white-swelling to mineral-water 
treatment are equally applicable. 

Caries. — The ulceration of bone is usually the result of 
scrofula or syphilis, though there may have been some external 
injury as the exciting cause. During the inflammatory stage, 
mineral waters should not be used ; but, when this has passed 
away, great benefit may be derived from the employment of 
appropriate waters. The thermal sulphur-waters produce the 
best results, especially those of the saline subdivision. The 
water is taken internally, applied locally in the way of fomen- 
tations, and injected into fistulous tracts. Baths and douches 
are also used. The treatment should be conducted with care, 
lest too great irritation be produced. 

JVecrosis, which is but a result of caries, is subject to the 
same treatment. 

Ulcers. — By this designation we refer to chronic ulcers, 
which sometimes endure for months and years. It frequently 
occurs that these ulcers are healed under the use of mineral 
waters. When they depend on scrofula or syphilis we may 
readily expect such results from waters adapted to those con- 
ditions. In other cases, where there is no marked constitu- 
tional, indication, such as varicose ulcers, the internal and local 
application of waters often has a marked influence, causing 
an irritable or indolent ulcer to form healthy granulations and 



110 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

finally heal, although in the case of varicose ulcers there is 
always probability of a return. The waters which are most 
noted for the cure of ulcers are the saline and sulphur. They 
are employed both internally, locally, and in the form of a 
bath. At some springs the sulfurin, or baregine, which forms 
in the reservoirs, is used as a local application, and is supposed 
to be of especial utility ; but, as far as discovered, it acts only 
by the water with which it is saturated. 

Old Wounds. — It often results from bullet-wounds, and 
those produced by pieces of shell, that the bullet, the piece of 
shell, or a portion of the clothing, passes deeply into the mus- 
cular structures, is embedded there, and cannot be withdrawn. 
Under these circumstances the superficial wound may heal 
and reopen repeatedly, or it may not heal at all, or the wound 
may heal, but the person may be conscious of some foreign 
body within the tissues which continually annoys. Again, 
the cause of irritation may be a spicula of necrosed bone. 

Under any of these conditions remarkable benefit frequently 
results from mineral waters. They are employed in the form of 
hot baths, hot douches, and internally. For this purpose ther- 
mal waters of high temperature yield the best results. Under 
their action the exudations which imprison the foreign body 
are converted into pus ; the ball, piece of shell, or clothing, is 
loosened from its lodgment and soon finds its way to the sur- 
face. During the course of treatment, care is to be taken that 
the stimulant action of the waters, and the suppuration pro- 
duced, be not carried too far. The contractions of muscles 
and joints, following wounds, are likewise favorably influenced 
by thermal waters. 

So much reliance is placed on mineral waters in these and 
other affections, that the military establishment of France pos- 
sesses five hospitals, at as many different springs, for the ben- 
efit of soldiers. Austria has a like number. Prussia sends 
her sick soldiers, in need of mineral waters, to Tftplitz. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

A certain" disease being given, it is always a question 
which spring to select. In the answer a number of consider- 
ations are involved. 

In the arrangement of this work each spring is grouped 
in a certain class, but, while the waters of the class possess 
marked properties, which pertain to each spring in the class, 
nevertheless these springs present a certain individuality de- 
pending on auxiliary constituents. Thus, an alkaline water 
may also contain carbonate and sulphate of lime in consider- 
able proportion, or, it may be, chloride of sodium, which forms 
the principal secondary constituent ; or, again, a small propor- 
tion of iron may be present. And the same remark will apply 
to saline waters, sulphur-waters, chalybeate waters, thermal 
waters, etc. Now, in each instance, the water not only pos- 
sesses the action referable to the class, but, in addition, this 
action is modified or reenforced by these auxiliary constituents, 
some known and perhaps some unknown. Hence, in desig- 
nating the water suitable for a certain person, we must consult 
his individuality, and also the individuality of the spring ; to 
inquire, in the case of the patient, whether the disease is pre- 
dominated by a particular diathesis, such as the rheumatic, 
gouty, scrofulous, or dartrous, and, in regard to the water, 
whether its constituents, both principal and auxiliary, meet 
the indications both of the disease and the diathesis. Thus 
in a case of catarrh of the bladder, in a rheumatic subject, 
waters frankly alkaline or calcic should be employed ; in a 
scrofulous patient alkaline waters, containing considerable 
chloride of sodium, would be appropriate — the muriated alka- 



112 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

lines ; in a dartrous subject calcic waters, containing sulphu- 
retted hydrogen, that is, a calcic sulphur-water ; in a patient 
decidedly anaemic, an alkaline water containing a proportion 
of iron, a mild alkaline chalybeate. This is the theory of the 
prescription of waters, and it is always best to consider the 
question in this way ; nevertheless it must be acknowledged 
that in our present ignorance of the exact entities of disease, 
and the definite physiological action of chemicals and com- 
binations, we are not to rely too implicitly on this method. 

Besides the constitution of a water, it is necessary in many 
instances to consider the location of a spring, its elevation, 
temperature, and climatology. While some diseases \mprove 
more readily at a resort from two to four thousand feet above 
the sea, others do not profit by a mountain climate. 

Some diseases do well in a comparatively dry atmosphere, 
and are injuriously affected by one that is moist. An exceed- 
ingly cool climate is adapted to one, while another is relieved 
in a warm region. Unfortunately, the meteorological obser- 
vations necessary to solve these problems have been taken at 
but few springs in this country. 

The surroundings of a spring are also to be considered. 
For certain patients, nothing could be more unfortunate than 
to sojourn at one of the crowded, fashionable resorts, where 
continual excitement prevails and appropriate accommodations 
are obtained with difficulty ; while others, by the gayety and 
conviviality that are found there, would be wakened from a 
despondent condition and led to forget their ills. 

The season* as it is termed, usually commences the 1st of 

1 Invalids will do well to correspond with the proprietor of the spring, or the hotel, pre- 
vious to commencing the journey. A letter addressed thus, at the commencement of or 
luring the season, will always receive attention : 



If but one hotel at the spring : 

Proprietor of (naming the spring) 

(naming the county) 

. . . .(naming the State) 



If several hotels at the spring : 

Proprietor of (naming the hotel) 

(naming the spring) 

(naming the county) 

(naming the State) 



If the name of the springs and post-office are not the same, the name of the post-office 
must be inserted. The average price per.day at the hotels is three dollars ; and, per month, 
from sixty to eighty dollars. For parties, and persons remaining a long time, special ar- 
rangements can be made. Eooms can usually be secured in advance. 



SUGGESTIONS. 113 

June and closes the 1st of October, though there are some 
resorts that are prepared to receive visitors throughout the 
year. The best time, as a rule, to commence treatment is in 
June or July ; these months, however, are named only as being 
convenient. Mineral waters can be taken, and their beneficial 
effects secured, at any time of the year. The old idea, that 
they were not admissible in winter, has been entirely abandoned. 
Many diseases do not admit of delay, and for this purpose the 
bottled waters are applicable. However, there is not the care 
used in bottling waters that should be observed. When wa- 
ters contain considerable gas, the bottles should always be 
closely sealed. There are but few waters that are at all 
adapted to shipment in barrels. The gases escape, and some 
of the chemical ingredients are decomposed by contact with 
the wood ; and when these objections do not obtain, owing to 
the absence of gas in the water or salts that are decomposed 
by contact with organic matter, still the water often partakes 
of the taste of the wood. At some springs an extract of the 
water is made ; that is, the water is boiled down in an iron or 
porcelain-lined vessel till the salts are precipitated, then form 
the extract, or salts. A certain quantity of these salts, dis- 
solved in a definite quantity of water, is supposed to represent 
the spring-water. Although they may answer a good purpose 
when the spring-water cannot be obtained, they do not repre- 
sent it accurately. In boiling, all the gases contained in the^ 
spring-water are driven off, and several chemical changes 
occur : sulphurets are converted into sulphates, bicarbonates 
into carbonates, and the protoxide of iron into the peroxide ; 
also, the proportion of the constituents to each other is not 
maintained. In Europe, medicated soaps are sometimes pre- 
pared with the precipitated salts. At Krankenheil, in Bava- 
ria, so-called iodine-soda and iodine-soda-sulphur soaps are 
made, and are said to be successfully used in chronic diseases 
of the skin. 

" What shall we do ? " is a question always asked on arrival 
at the spring which has been chosen as a place of resort. The 
answer is simple : If you are well, if you are there only for 



114 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

rest and recreation, assimilate yourself as rapidly as possible 
with the pleasures and society of the place; remembering, 
however, and practising the trite maxim, " Temperance in all 
things." Here are assembled a large number of persons, 
whose desires are similar to your own, and the community of 
interests produces the following result : The morning is passed 
in repairing to the spring and drinking of the water, in cheer- 
ful conversation, and excursions ; the afternoon, in croquet, 
games, lounging, and preparations for the dance; and the 
evening is given to promenading and the festivities of the 
ball. At many of the springs a band of musicians performs 
in the park during the after-dinner hours and at tea-time. 

What is the best time for taking the waters ? The morn_ 
ing hours before breakfast, and in the afternoon before tea. 
That one may take the water properly, he should cultivate the 
healthful virtue of early rising, and the not less laudable vir- 
tue of early retiring. It cannot be expected that the most 
potent water will antidote the dissipations of enormous din- 
ners, imbibition of spirituous liquors, and continuous dancing 
till the morning hours. 

The quantity of water that may be taken varies so much at 
different springs that no fixed rule can be given. It may be 
stated, however, in a general way, that from two to three 
moderate-sized glasses — tumblers — in the morning, and two 
or three more during the day, may be taken. In drinking the 
water, from fifteen to twenty minutes should elapse between 
each glass ; and, during the interval, it is well to promenade 
through the neighboring groves, or, in damp weather, under 
the covered walks, which should be contiguous to the spring. 
From half an hour to an hour should pass before the succeeding 
meal is taken. The practice of deluging the stomach with 
water is extremely reprehensible, and sometimes produces seri- 
ous results. I have known violent inflammation of the kidneys, 
followed by chronic disease, established in this way. The 
temperature of water preferable for a cure is from 50° to 
88° Fahr. If excessively cold, it is not readily absorbed, and 
acts injuriously on the stomach and intestines. 



SUGGESTIONS. 115 

The production of crisis is no longer considered necessary 
to the curative action of waters, neither is preliminary treat- 
ment required other than, in some instances, simple remedies 
to control slight febrile conditions, depending on the fatigue 
of a journey. In the olden time, the patient underwent an 
enormous amount of dosing before it was considered proper 
for him to take the water. Boileau, in a letter to Racine, 
dated 21st July, 1687, thus describes the process. He says : 
" I have been purged and bled, and nothing more remains for 
me to undergo of all the formalities considered necessary be- 
fore taking the waters. The medicines which I have taken 
to-day have, as they tell me, done me all the good in the 
world ; for they have caused me to fall down four or five times 
from weakness, and have thrown me into a state in which I can 
hardly stand upright. To-morrow I am to begin the great 
work — I mean to say, that to-morrow I am to begin to take 
the waters." 

The use of mineral waters by old persons, children, and 
pregnant women, should be exceedingly guarded. Formerly 
it was thought that pregnancy was an absolute bar to the em- 
ployment of mineral waters. That idea, however, is no longer 
entertained. Under some circumstances, they have a beneficial 
effect on both mother and child when taken at this period. 

During the treatment by mineral waters excesses of 
the table should be rigidly avoided. The combination of 
mineral water, mountain air, exercise, and amusement, fre- 
quently gives an appetite to which the person may have long 
been a stranger. Especially is this so in cases of dyspepsia ; 
and, although the return of appetite is an indication of the 
favorable action of the water, permanent relief may be entirely 
frustrated by gratification of the palate. As a rule, the diet 
should be plain and nutritious when the full alterative effect 
of the water is desired. 

The number of days necessary for treatment cannot be 
designated.. A conventional period of twenty-one days is 
frequently named, but many cases require treble and quadru- 
ple that time In some maladies, where it is desired to eradi- 



116 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

cate a morbid habit of the body, it is best to return to the 
appropriate water for two or three successive seasons. Pa- 
tients need not be alarmed if, shortly after commencing the 
use of the waters, their symptoms are somewhat aggravated. 
This perturbation of the system frequently occurs, only to be 
followed by relief. A suspension or diminution of the water 
for a short time is all that is required. Occasionally there 
may be no decided benefit at the time, to be followed by 
relief on return home. As remarked by Trousseau, mineral 
waters are remedies which act " d longue portee." 

After a patient has repaired to a spring which, according to 
the best obtainable information is suited to his malady, he 
should remain there until he has given the waters a fair trial, 
and ' not vacillate from one resort to another. There are vale- 
tudinarians — especially to be met with in the Virginia springs 
region — who go the rounds from one spring to another, drink- 
ing a few days of this water, then of that, apparently possessed 
of the idea that some mysterious spirit pervades the springs, 
and, if the suitable one is found, renewed life will thrill through 
the blood with the first draught. The search of Ponce de Leon 
for the fountain of perpetual youth was not more quixotic. Just 
as well might one enter an apothecary's and dose himself with 
each drug, seriatim, hoping thus to discover the medicine 
adapted to his malady. 

Invalids should, as a rule, consult the resident physician on 
arrival at the springs, who should be familiar with the precise 
action of the. water, and adjust the dose to the varying condi- 
tions. For this purpose, the patient should bring with him a 
statement of his case from his physician, which will enable the 
resident physician more readily to possess himself of com- 
plete knowledge of the course of the disease. Unfortunately, 
many of the physicians at springs in this country are there for a 
single season only, and therefore have not the inducement to 
become thoroughly acquainted with the action of the water, 
which is secured by permanence. Proprietors of springs will 
do well to give close attention to the medical efficiency of their 
resorts. We cannot refrain from suggesting the impolicy of 



SUGGESTIONS. 117 

proprietors or physicians encouraging or permitting patients 
to remain when the waters are manifestly inapplicable to the 
disease. Neither is it advantageous for proprietors to adver- 
tise their waters as curative of a large number of maladies for 
which they have no special application. The springs are thus 
reduced to the level of quack nostrums, and the trifling present 
gain of such a course is more than counterbalanced by the loss 
of reputation which the water suffers by failure to cure or 
relieve. 

Baths, which are an essential element in the treatment of 
many diseases by mineral waters, are usually taken during the 
morning. If breakfast be taken before the bath, it should be 
light, and precede it at least an hour. In some instances, the 
bath may be taken just before bedtime. The form of bath 
desirable varies with the disease. For general purposes, how- 
ever, the swimming or " piscina" bath is preferable, the patient 
having opportunity for exercise. All fear of contracting con- 
tagious diseases in these baths is proved without foundation. 
The flow of water, however, should be sufficient for frequent 
renewal of the entire volume, and the chamber should be well 
ventilated. As a proper summary of the course to be fol- 
lowed at the springs, I quote the words of Alibert : 

" When you arrive at the waters, act as you would do if 
you were entering the temple of iEsculapius, and leave behind 
you at the door all the passions which have been tormenting 
your mind and agitating your soul. Once there, abstain from 
imprudence, and do not exceed the prescribed doses, as so 
many invalids have done at all times, for Pliny already com- 
plained of the evil. 'Many sick people,' he says, 'take a 
pride in having remained for hours together in very hot baths, 
or in drinking unmeasured quantities of mineral waters, which 
are both equally dangerous.' Lead a quiet, calm, tranquil life ; 
bathe and drink with moderation, and the water will gradually 
exercise its beneficial influence over you. Your sufferings will 
insensibly pass away in the precious liquid, and your forces 
will become invigorated." . , 

In Europe, it is customary at some resorts to join the in- 



118 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ternal administration of whey — the whey-cure— to the use of 
mineral water. Whey, as nearly every one knows, is the yel- 
lowish, watery fluid which remains after milk has been coag- 
ulated, and the solid portion separated by straining. It pos- 
sesses a mawkish taste. The principal constituents of a pound 
of whey are as follows : chloride of potassium, 13 to 15 grains ; 
cloride of sodium, two to three grains; carbonate of soda, 
three to four grains ; milk-sugar, 380 to 500 grains. Besides, 
it contains phosphates, and small quantities of iodine and 
fluorine. Whey usually produces a laxative effect, and even 
diarrhoea, though there are exceptions, in which it causes con- 
stipation. It is distinctly diuretic. As a rule, it is easily 
digested, and improves the appetite, though, taken in large 
quantities, it causes dyspepsia and diarrhoea. It is recom- 
mended in chronic laryngitis, bronchitis, phthisis pulmonalis, 
and chronic gastric catarrh. It is customary to mix equal 
portions of warm whey and mineral water. It may be of some 
value as an adjuvant; but the entire subject of whey-cure is 
much in the dark; 

Abroad it is not unusual for patients to seek the grape- 
cure in the fall, after a season at the springs. The favorite re- 
sorts for this purpose are Bingen, Diirkheim, Vevay, Mon- 
treux, and Meran. Whatever may be said of the utility of 
this medication, it is certainly a pleasant one, and, if of value, 
can readily be adopted in this country. 

The composition of Clairette grape-juice, in 1,000 parts, is 
given as follows : 

Water 824.00 

Grape-sugar 140.00 

Gum and dextrine ....... 5.00 

Albumen and nitrogenous matter . ,' . . 15.00 

Iron 0.63 

Potassa . 1.00 

Soda ..-...-... 2.50 

Lime 1.80 

Magnesia 0.90 

Tartaric acid . * 4.30 

Malic acid 2.90 



SUGGESTIONS. 



119 



From this analysis, it will readily be seen that, in one 
pound of the grapes named, there would be about forty grains 
of salts, formed by the union of the organic acids with the 
bases soda, lime, magnesia, potassa, and iron. The quantity 
of grape-sugar would be about two ounces. The proportion 
of these constituents varies, however, with the species of 
grape, and the soil on which it is grown. The juice usually 
contains a proportion of inorganic salts, in addition to the 
salts named. 

A comparison of the inorganic constituents of grape-juice 
with the Grand Grille, at Vichy, has been made as follows : 



In Ten Thousand Parts. 



Chlorine. . .' 

Sulphuric acid 

Phosphoric acid" 

Silicic acid 

Potassa 

Soda 

Magnesia 

Lime 

Iron and magnesia., 



Total. 



42.61 



Grape-Juice. 


Grand Grille. 


0.26 


3.24 


1.09 


1.64 


4.71 


0.70 


3.44 


0.70 


^SK" 


22.11}^ 


2.76 


0.97 


5.09 


1.69 


1.50 


0.12 



33.18 



The quantity of grapes usually consumed varies from one 
and a half pounds to six or eight pounds per day, the pulp 
and juice alone being taken. 

The action of grapes consumed in this way is as follows : 
During the first few days a cathartic effect is produced, fre- 
quent fluid evacuations resulting. After some days the purga- 
tive action is more regular, and there are several evacuations 
each day. In some instances, however, there is no laxative 
effect. Usually the appetite is increased, digestion is im- 
proved, and the faeces are darker; the secretion of urine is 
also augmented. Sometimes there is considerable excitement 
of the system during the beginning of the treatment; the 
pulse is more frequent, and there is congestion of the head. 
This, however, soon passes off, although palpitation of the 
heart, epistaxis, and even haemoptysis, are said sometimes to 
result. Grapes are said to be useful in abdominal plethora, 
scrofula, chronic catarrh, tuberculosis, and gravel. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SKIN. 

Introductory to treatment of the subject of baths we give 
a description of the skin, one of the most important emuncto- 
ries for purification of the blood, and that which is directly 
subject to the influence of bathing. 

Anatomically, the skin consists of two layers : the exter- 
nal, called the epidermis, cuticle, or scarf-skin, and the internal, 
known as the cutis vera, or true skin. 

TJie true skin is a dense, elastic tissue, permeated in every 
direction by blood-vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Within 
its substance are the sebaceous follicles, usually discharging 
their oily contents beside the point of emergence of the hair. 
The perspiratory glands are also seated here. The papillary 
layer of the true skin consists of numbers of small conical 
prominences, quite irregularly distributed. The papillae, when 
aggregated in masses and arranged in rows, constitute the 
ridges and furrows that may be seen on the palm of the hand 
and the sole of the foot. The papillae are supplied with a 
large number of nerves and blood-vessels, rendering them ex- 
ceedingly sensitive. The true skin varies in thickness in va- 
rious parts of the body, being most dense on the back, outer 
sides of the limbs, and the palms of the hands and soles of 
the feet. This thickness may arise from different causes, 
sometimes being due to an increase in the corion — the sub- 
stratum of the true skin — at others, to an accumulation of pap- 
illary eminences, to subserve the sense of touch, when great 
delicacy of feeling is required. We may form an idea of the 
extreme vascularity of this tissue, and the infinite number of 
blood-vessels with which it is permeated, from the fact that 



THE SKIN. 121 

the point of the finest needle can nowhere penetrate the sur- 
face without blood being drawn and a sensation of pain pro- 
duced. 

The epidermis, or cuticle, is a defensive covering for the 
sensitive surface of the true skin, being accurately moulded to 
the papillary layer. It varies in thickness. When it is ex- 
posed to continued friction or pressure and atmospheric in- 
fluence, it becomes thick, hard, and horny in texture, while 
that which is in contact with the papillary layer is soft and 
cellular in structure. The cuticle is formed by the exudation 
of cells from the papillary layer, the outer cells falling off as 
scurf, in scale-like particles. The color of the skin is due to 
pigment-cells found in the deep layer of the epidermis. The 
color of this pigment varies in different nations, and gives the 
characteristic hue. The epidermis is pierced by the excretory 
ducts of the sebaceous follicles and sweat-glands, which dis- 
charge their secretions upon its surface. 

The sweat-glands are small, round, reddish bodies, consist- 
ing of one or more exceedingly small convoluted tubes, twisted 
and wound together in the most intricate manner. These 
characteristics are only perceptible under the microscope. 
Surrounding these glands are numerous blood-vessels. From 
them proceed the excretory ducts, which terminate at the sur- 
face of the epidermis. It is these glands that secrete perspira- 
tion — a watery, saline fluid. Although each of these glands 
is so minute, when we consider them in the aggregate we 
shall arrive at surprising figures. Mr. Wilson tells us as fol- 
lows : "To arrive at something like an estimate of the value 
of the perspiratory system in relation to the rest of the organ- 
ism, I counted the perspiratory pores on the palm of the hand, 
and found 3,528 in a square inch. Now, each of these pores 
being the aperture of a little tube of about a quarter of an inch 
long, it follows that in a square inch of skin on the palm of 
the hand there exists a length of tube equal to 882 inches, or 
73i feet. Surely such an amount of drainage as 73 feet in 
every square inch of skin — assuming this to be the average for 
the whole body — is something wonderful; and the thought 



122 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

naturally intrudes itself, 'What if this drainage were ob- 
structed ? ' 

" On the pulps of the fingers, where the ridges of the sen- 
sitive layer of the true skin are somewhat finer than on the 
palm of the hand, the number of pores on a square inch a 
little exceeded that of the palm ; and on the heel, where the 
ridges are coarser, the number of pores in the square inch was 
2,268, and the length of tube 567 inches, or 47 feet. To ob- 
tain an estimate of the length of tube of the perspiratory sys- 
tem of the whole surface of the body, I think that 2,800 might 
be taken as a fair average of the number of pores in the 
square inch ; and 700, consequently, as the number of inches 
in length. Now, the number of square inches of surface in a 
man of ordinary height and bulk is 2,500 ; the number of 
pores, therefore, 7,000,000, and the number of inches of per- 
spiratory tube, 1,750,000— that is, 145,833 feet or 48,600 yards, 
or nearly 28 miles." 

The sebaceous glands are small, sacculated, glandular or- 
gans, found in all parts of the skin, but most frequently occur- 
ring in the face. Their orifice opens most frequently into the 
hair-follicles. The purpose of the oily secretion which they 
discharge is to lubricate the surface of the body, keeping the 
skin soft and pliable, and protecting it from the external air ; 
it also gives gloss and softness to the hair. This fluid is much 
more abundantly secreted by the races that live in warm cli- 
mates than those that inhabit cold ones. 

Within the orifice of the sebaceous tubes a curious para- 
site, called the entozoon folliculorum, is frequently found. It 
o*ccurs in great numbers in the inhabitants of large cities, 
whose skin is inclined to be torpid in function. 

Function of the Skin. — In order that we may more clearly 
comprehend this, it is well to remember that the skin is con- 
tinuous with the mucous membrane at the various orifices of 
the body — the mouth, nose, etc. — and that there is a striking 
similarity in the formation of the two structures. Indeed, we 
may term the one the external lining, the other the internal ; 
the being man, with the various tissues of blood, nerve, mus- 



THE SKIN. 123 

clc, and bone, being formed and nourished between these two 
linings, the mouth, lungs, stomach, intestines, liver, and kid- 
neys, being but adaptations of this mucous membrane to the 
offices of assimilation and depuration ; and, in the same man- 
ner, the skin performs these offices, though not in such a mul- 
tiplicity of ways. 

Absorption. — Undoubtedly the skin acts more readily by 
exhalation and secretion than absorption ; but that it is ab- 
sorbent in action is certain, though the subject has been con- 
siderably discussed, and many have taken the negative side 
of the question. For most fluids and substances capable of 
solution by the liquids of the body the skin is absorbent. It 
is related by Theophrastus that the odor of strongly-scented 
cataplasms, when placed over the stomach, is detected in the 
eructations. The treatment of various diseases by inunction 
with medicated ointments is practised at the present day with 
perfect confidence and certainty as to absorption of the drug. 
And when the dry epidermis is removed by a blister, and the 
cutis vera exposed, " medicines applied produce similar effects 
in doses but little larger than when they are made to act 
directly upon the gastric mucous membrane." 

There has been much doubt whether the skin absorbs 
water or medical substances dissolved in water. Dr. Dill, of 
Edinburgh, concluded, from a series of experiments, that the 
body generally, but not uniformly, increases in weight in a 
warm bath (86° to 102° Fahr.). Dr. James Murray obtained 
similar results in baths from 88° to 104° Fahr. — that is, the 
body usually gained in weight; and he showed by tests ap- 
plied to the urine that gallic acid is absorbed by a person im- 
mersed in a bath containing infusion of galls. Westrumb 
found the prussiate of potassa in the blood and urine of 
persons who had used a foot-bath containing this salt ; and the 
urine, as well as the serum of the blood, was colored brown 
when the arms were kept immersed in an infusion of rhubarb. 

The more recent experiments of Durian and Clemens tend 
to reconcile the apparent contradictory results that have been 
sometimes obtained. Prof. Alfred Stille, of Philadelphia, sums 



124 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

up the observations referred to in these words : " By these 
experiments it is rendered clear that for every person there is 
a temperature at which the body, immersed in water, neither 
gains nor loses in weight ; while, on .the one hand, above this 
point it exhales more than it absorbs, and therefore becomes 
lighter, and, on the other hand, below this point it absorbs 
more than it exhales and grows heavier. Thus, in a bath of 
from 72° to 77° Fahr., the skin absorbs on an average 248 
grains in a quarter of an hour, 442 grains in three-quarters 
of an hour, and nearly 700 grains in an hour and a quarter. 1 
On the other hand, in baths at an average temperature of 97° 
Fahr., the body loses weight at the rate of 744 grains in fifteen 
minutes, 1,271 grains in thirty minutes, and 2,054 grains in 
forty-five minutes. In a bath of 113° Fahr. the body lost more 
than a pound in weight in the course of fifteen minutes. By 
this simple statement- it becomes evident that, even in the case 
of water, exhalation is a more active function of the skin than 
absorption." 2 It is quite probable, from the conflicting results 
of experiments as to absorption, that, on the one hand, the 
body loses a portion of fluid in a tepid bath, and, on the other, 
absorbs an equal or nearly equal quantity ; that is, there is an 
interchange of fluids. It may be noted that experiments in 
warm baths show that the urine becomes alkaline, as a rule, 
even when nitric acid or sulphate of quinine is dissolved in 
the water. 

Transpiration. — The secretion of oil by the sebaceous fol- 
licles, and its purpose of lubricating the skin, have already been 
mentioned. The office, however, most worthy of notice in con- 
nection with this subject is that of perspiration — the elimi- 
nation of carbonic acid and perspiration by the sweat-glands. 
The ingenious calculation by which it is shown that the com- 
bined length of the sweat-tubes, in an individual, is about 
twenty-eight miles has already been noticed. It may be asked, 
if these glands are constantly active, continually conveying 

1 Eecent researches of Jamin and De Laures throw doubt on this point. They affirm 
that the loss is large between 75" and 82° Fahr. 

2 Stilus "Therapeutics," vol. i., pp. 56, 57. 



THE SKIN. 125 

their burden of perspiration to the surface of the skin, why is 
not that surface continually moist? We answer, because 
the fluid is eliminated so gradually that it passes off impercep- 
tibly in vapor as rapidly as it is formed. However, we all 
know how, during vigorous exercise and the heat of summer, 
it is immediately seen on the surface in large beads of fluid. 
This fluid is composed mostly of water, but, besides, we find 
carbonic acid, acetate of ammonia, phosphate of soda and lime, 
carbonate of lime, chloride of sodium, sulphate of soda, mu- 
riate of ammonia, and traces of iron and animal matter. The 
quantity thus exhaled has been estimated as about two and a 
half pounds per day — larger than the amount given off by the 
lungs. It must not, however, be understood that all of this 
quantity is exhaled by the sweat-glands and sebaceous glands ; 
the larger proportion is the result of simple evaporation from 
the surface of the skin. 

The amount of discharge from the skin varies at different 
periods of the day, and under the varied conditions of our sys- 
tems. Immediately after taking food the process is checked, 
but when digestion is fully established it is most abundant. 
The conditions of the atmosphere exercise a marked influence ; 
when it is hot and dry, then transpiration is exceedingly ac- 
tive, while a moist atmosphere has an opposite effect. 

The skin also acts the part of a respiratory organ, by ab- 
sorbing oxygen and giving off carbonic acid, thus aiding the 
lungs in this important interchange of the gaseous constituents 
of the blood. Indeed, respiration is performed by the skin 
alone in some of the inferior animals. If one of the higher 
animals, in which the skin resembles that of a man in func- 
tion, be enclosed in a bag of caoutchouc, leaving the head 
only exposed, it soon dies, as though asphyxiated, the heart 
and lungs being found gorged with blood, and the temperature 
of the body sometimes as much as 30° Fahr. below the normal 
standard. 

Reflection upon the offices of the skin, which are almost 
unknown to the multitude, will impress forcibly upon us the 
exceeding importance of the bath as a sanitary and medicinal 



126 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

agent. If this continual discharge of aqueous elements is 
checked, may it not throw upon the other eliminators — the 
kidneys, the lungs, and the intestines — an excess of labor that 
will cause inflammation ? If the twenty-eight miles of drain- 
age are obstructed, may not the pent-up effete matter engender 
disease and death ? 

Taking cold — the sudden arrest of the function of the skin 
— is almost always followed by irritation of the mucous mem- 
brane of the lungs, kidneys and intestines, manifested by 
bronchitis, an excessive discharge of urine, and even nephritis 
or diarrhoea. These results, from the sudden arrest of the 
functions of the skin, are only mentioned by way of illustra- 
tion. There is a long list of diseases in which obstruction of 
the skin is an exciting cause. Bathing is not only essential 
to a healthy and prolonged existence, but, through the stimu- 
lation of the action of the skin, in this way we may remove 
various morbid products of the organism which, by their ac- 
cumulation in the system, are the source of disease. 



CHAPTER IX. 

BATHS. 

The Cold Bath (70° Fahr. and below). — The primary 
phenomena of immersion in cold water are those of sedation / 
the more decided as the water is colder. They are diminished 
temperature and paleness of the skin, slower respiration and 
circulation of the blood, accompanied by panting and shiver- 
ing. If the cold be great or long protracted, a sense of suffo- 
cation and constriction at the pit of the stomach is experi- 
enced, the skin is corrugated, the breathing is labored and 
convulsive, speech difficult, the circulation is depressed, the 
lips and even cheeks become bluish, the muscles are painful 
and seized with cramps, and, unless relieved, the person will 
lose his life. 

On coming out of the bath, and while exposed to the air, 
the sensation of cold is increased ; but in vigorous persons, as 
soon as the skin is dry, reaction takes place, a warm glow 
spreads over the surface, the muscles play with ease and elas- 
ticity, the mind is clear, and the person exhilarated. 

Since the times of Musa, who cured the Emperor Augustus 
Csesar of a supposed hopeless malady by the use of cold wa- 
ter, there have been repeated periods in which this useful 
remedy has been exalted into a panacea. Such it is not ; but 
there are certain conditions of the system in which it is an 
efficient remedy. 

The cold bath is most frequently used as a tonic, and is 
only applicable to persons who have sufficient vigor to procure 
prompt reaction. In this way it is more often employed to 
perpetuate an already healthy condition than to relieve dis- 



128 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ease. For the anaemic and depressed, needing tonics, other 
resources must be sought. There seems an incompatibility' 
between the tonic effect of a cold bath and the fact that the 
bath itself is actually a sedative. This inconsistency, how- 
ever, is only apparent. When we speak of the tonic action, 
it is only as a result, not as the immediate effect. 

Cold applications are employed in an infinite number of 
ways in the treatment of disease. In fevers, the cold sponge- 
bath is a palliative, so acting by abstraction of heat. Active 
haemorrhage, both external and internal, may frequently be 
controlled by cold applications : in the former acting directly, 
by contraction of the blood-vessels and tissues ; in the latter, 
by reflex action, the sudden chill produced, as in haemorrhage 
of the lungs, by application of cold to the chest, causing con- 
traction of the capillary blood-vessels. In acute diseases of 
the brain, the continuous application of cold is of great ad- 
vantage, lessening temperature by abstraction of heat and 
contracting the blood-vessels by direct action. Gout and 
rheumatism have sometimes been treated, in the acute stage, 
by application of cold to the affected part ; but, though some- 
times securing relief, the practice is not to be recommended, 
the cause of the disease still remaining in the system, ready 
to explode its force at some other point. Quite opposite to 
this is the action of the hot bath in this disease, which, by 
stimulating the excretory function of the skin, removes the 
cause. 

As a guide to the use of the ordinary cold bath, we insert 
the following rules : 

1. The most favorable time of day for taking a cold bath 
is on rising in the morning, or about noon. 

2. The stomach should be empty when the bath is taken. 

3. Exercise moderately before entering the bath and while 
in the bath ; but the body must not be overheated on going 
into the water. 

4. A cold bath should not be taken when fatigued. 

5. The duration of a cold bath should not exceed five 
minutes. 



BATHS. 129 

6. The cold bath should be succeeded by friction of the 
surface, with a coarse towel or flesh-brush, till reaction is estab- 
lished 

7. If the cold bath is not followed by reaction, the dura- 
tion has been too long, or cold bathing is not fitted for the 
individual. 

8. The cold bath is not adapted to feeble or aged persons 
and infants^ 

9. Persons whose extremities or skin are usually cold 
should not use the cold bath. 

10. Persons affected with organic disease of the heart 
should not take cold baths. 

Baths between 70° and 85° Fahr. are denominated tem- 
perate, and from 85° to 92° Fahr. they are termed tepid. The 
latter range is that usually selected for the purpose of ordinary 
ablution. These baths abstract heat and lessen the frequency 
of the pulse in the same manner as the cold bath, though in 
much less degree. 

The Warm Bath (92° to 98° Fahr.). —This may be 
termed the luxurious bath, that which the weary or the invalid 
enters with pleasure and quits reluctantly. Under its in- 
fluence a sense of calm enjoyment and perfect tranquillity 
is experienced. Granville, in his glowing description of a 
bath in the Wildbad waters of Germany, well describes these 
sensations : 

" After descending a few steps from the dressing-room into 
the bath-room, I walked over the warm, soft sand to the far- 
thest end of the bath, and I lay myself down upon it, near 
the principal spring, resting my head on a clean wooden pillow. 
The soothing effect of the water as it came over me, up to the 
throat, transparent like the brightest gem or aqua-marine, soft, 
genially warm, and gently murmuring, I shall never forget. 
Millions of bubbles of gas rose from the sand and played 
around me, quivering through the lucid water as they as- 
cended, and bursting at the surface, to be succeeded by others. 
The sensation produced, as these with their tremulous motion 
just effleuraient the surface of the body, ... is not to be de- 



130 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

scribed. It partakes of tranquillity and exhilaration • of the 
ecstatic state of a devotee, blended with the repose of an 
opium-eater. The head is calm, the heart is calm ; yet there 
is neither drowsiness, stupefaction, n&r numbnessP 

The physiological effects of the warm bath are as follows : 
There is diminution in the frequency of the pulse and a less- 
ened number of respirations. The experiments of Marcard 
show that in baths of 96° Fahr., and below that temperature, 
the rapidity of the pulse is uniformly diminished. Dr. Lock- 
ette, of Virginia, in baths of 98° Fahr., found the pulse always 
reduced in frequency. In rare instances it was slightly in- 
creased on first immersion, but in a short time it fell below the 
normal standard, and "so continued. In this respect there is 
a difference in individuals as to the amount of diminution of 
the pulse-beats, those whose pulse is usually rapid and ex- 
cited showing the most decided variation. From these facts, 
and those given under the remarks on cold baths, we deduce 
the law that in all baths of a temperature below the nor- 
mal heat of the body, 98° Fahr., the pidse is diminished in 
frequency. 

Warm baths act decidedly on the functions of the skin ; 
absorption and exhalation are much increased. In baths the 
temperature of which ranges between 86° and 96° Fahr., 
the absorption of water and medicinal salts seems most ac- 
tive. 

The prolonged use of the warm bath, for days and weeks 
in succession, produces an eruption on the surface of the- skin 
and febrile conditions, continuing for several days, known 
among the Germans as the Bad-sturm, or bath-fever. Formerly 
it was thought that the production of this critical fever was 
necessary to a cure ; but this idea has been relinquished, and 
it is now usually considered as an indication of misuse of the 
bath, and a guide for diminishing the temperature or lessening 
the duration. 

The warm bath may be considered, therapeutically, as 
calming and restorative. The person worn out by prolonged 
mental or physical exertion experiences in the warm bath a 



BATHS. 



131 



sense of quiet and relaxation, which is followed on quitting it, 
if the person do not remain too long, with a restoration of 
energy. 

A dividing-line may clearly be drawn between the warm 
and the hot bath. To place the prominent points more defi- 
nitely before the reader, the respective effects are shown in 
the following table : 



WARM BATH. 
From 92° to 98° Fahr. 

1. Calming and sedative. 

2. Pulse decreased in frequency. 

3. Respirations decreased in number. 

4. Skin neither red nor congested. 

6. Absorption and exhalation of the 
skin increased. 

6. No determination of blood to the 

head. 

7. Secondary effects restorative. 



HOT BATH. 
Above 98° Fahr. 

1. Exciting. 

2. Pulse increased in frequency. 

3. Respirations increased in number. 

4. Skin red and congested. 

5. Exhalation of the skin increased, 

and little or no absorption. 

6. Determination of blood to the 

head. 

7. Secondary effects depressing 



The warm bath is applicable to many diseases. It calms 
nervous excitement, and has been used advantageously in 
mania, chorea, and hysteria. In nephritis, it allays pain, and 
aids the passage of calculi. Congestions and inflammations 
of the liver are also much improved by its use, in conjunction 
with other treatment. Conjoined with frictions and moderate 
exercise, it is also palliative in albuminuria. Dysmenorrhcea 
and amenorrhoea have been treated by warm baths from time 
immemorial. Chronic metritis is also subject to favorable 
influence by the warm bath. Many diseases of the skin are 
thereby rendered amenable to treatment, which otherwise baf- 
fle our best efforts. Subacute rheumatism and gout may be 
treated by warm baths, and even the more decidedly chronic 
types may be subjected to them when the hot bath cannot be 
used. 

The following rules are applicable, to the warm bath ; 

1. The best time for taking a warm bath is during the 
morning hours, and in some instances before retiring to bed. 

2. The stomach should be empty at the time of the bath. 



132 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

3. The duration of the warm bath may be from fifteen min- 
utes to an hour, and sometimes longer. 

4. The warm bath is applicable to almost all conditions of 
health or disease, but persons affected with organic disease of 
the heart or lungs should be careful in its use. 

The Hot Bath (above 98° Fahr.) .— The physiological effects 
of the hot bath are very different from those of a warm bath. 
During immersion in a hot bath, the skin becomes red, the 
pulse is increased in frequency, the respirations are increased 
in number,' perspiration breaks forth on the parts not im- 
mersed, exhalation of the skin is greatly stimulated, the mind 
becomes confused, and, if too long continued, vertigo or even 
apoplexy may result. Dr. Lockette, of Virginia, whose pulse 
was 77, in a bath of 98° Fahr., tells us that, in a bath of 111° 
Fahr., it rose to 153 beats in a minute, and that it produced 
confusion of thought, partial delirium, tinnitus aurium, an 
inability to speak, dimness of sight, an intolerable pain in 
his head, with an intense desire to micturate. His sensa- 
tions were precisely such as they are in a violent state of 
fever. There were great redness of the skin and flushing of 
the face. On raising himself out of the water, he almost 
swooned, and, being now covered with blankets, sweated very 
profusely. The results of the experiments of M. Rostan and M. 
Loude coincide with those obtained by Dr. Lockette. Lieber- 
meister found the bodily temperature augmented by the hot 
bath. The extent to which exhalation of the skin is stimulated 
has been well shown by the experiments of Mosler, who proved 
that, in hot baths of high temperature, from one to two pounds' 
weight may be lost in the course of an hour. During a course 
of hot bathing a bath-fever sometimes occurs, similar to that 
described in treating of warm baths. There are constipation, 
a coated tongue, loss of appetite, nervous irritability, disturbed 
sleep, perspiration, palpitations, and eruptions on the skin, and 
a temporary discontinuance of the baths is indicated. 

The diseases in which the hot bath is remedial are chronic 
rheumatism, gout, and chronic diseases of the skin, especially 
those of a scaly nature, such zspsoriasis, pityriasis, and lichen^ 



BATHS. 133 

occurring in phlegmatic temperaments. In neuralgias, para- 
plegia, and paralysis, it is curative, in a marked degree, espe- 
cially when employed in the form of a hot douche. Dysmen- 
orrhcea and amenorrhcea, associated with atonic conditions, 
are also favorably influenced by hot baths and douches. En- 
larged and contracted joints are relieved by the same treat- 
ment. Engorgement of the abdominal viscera may be prop- 
erly subjected to hot baths, and frequently with decided re- 
lief. In tertiary syphilis, the hot bath often acts as an indis- 
pensable adjuvant to cure. The stimulant effect on the excre- 
tory function of the skin, combined with proper medication, 
seems to eliminate the venereal poison with great certainty and 
rapidity. When the hot douche acts favorably in neuralgia, 
paralysis, and affections of the joints, it seems to do so by its 
local effect entirely. The blood-vessels, nerves, and lymphatics 
of the affected part, are stimulated to renewed vitality, which, 
on the one hand, relieves pain, and restores sensibility and mo- 
tion, and on the other absorbs exudations and concretions. 

Although hot baths form so potent a remedy, they should 
be employed with circumspection, and the effect closely ob- 
served from day to day. Venel asserts that, at Cauterets, a 
Spaniard died of haemorrhage, from prolonged stay in a hot 
bath, and Buchan relates the case of a man who was attacked 
with paralysis, after the use of an excessively hot bath. The 
following rules will serve as a guide in the use of this bath : 

1. The best time for taking a hot bath is during the morn- 
ing. 

2. The stomach should be empty, free from irritation, and 
the tongue clean. 

3. The duration may be from five to fifteen minutes, and 
sometimes longer, according to temperature and condition. 

4. The hot bath is more applicable to the middle-aged and 
old, than to young persons. 

5. Plethoric persons should be guarded in the use of hot 
baths. 

6. Those suffering from organic disease of the heart or 
lungs, or subject to vertigo, should not use hot baths. 



134 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

7. The temperature of the hot bath usually employed, 
ranges from 102° to 110° Fahr. 

Vapor-Bath. — In this bath the atmosphere is loaded with 
hot vapor, It acts rapidly in increasing the heat of the body, 
inasmuch as the body is not only heated by the surrounding 
hot medium, but, when perspiration would afford relief, evap- 
oration is impeded by the already moist atmosphere. Owing 
to these conditions a high temperature of vapor-bath is in- 
tolerable, while a dry, hot-air bath may be taken at 212° 
Fahr., and higher, with impunity. In a vapor-bath of 120° 
Fahr., Fordyce found the pulse 145 after twenty minutes' stay. 
At a higher temperature, the pulse becomes more frequent and 
smaller, and, when the temperature reaches 170° Fahr., it can 
be borne but for a few moments without injury. 

The physiological effects of the hot vapor-bath are con- 
gestion and redness of the skin, increase in frequency of the 
pulse, fulness of the head, oppression of the chest, arising 
from congestion of the lungs, and tendency to perspiration. 
Persons are often deceived by the seeming large quantity of 
perspiration on the skin, which is, in great part, only the con- 
densation of vapor on the body. There is increase in the tem- 
perature of the body. Wiegand found that in a vapor-bath 
of 3.06° Fahr. a thermometer placed in the mouth rose from 
99° to 102° Fahr. in five minutes, and reached 104° Fahr., 
when the temperature of the bath was increased to 110° Fahr. 
These observations may not, however, be altogether accurate, 
as the hot vapor entering the mouth would influence the ther- 
mometer ; and, placed in the axilla, it does not mark so great 
change. But that the temperature of the body is decidedly 
increased is undoubted; and it is from this fact that the body 
so well tolerates the sudden transition from hot vapor to a 
cool shower-bath. The change is grateful and soothing, and 
is followed by copious perspiration under favorable conditions. 

Russian Bath. — This is but a form of the hot vapor-bath. 
Under various forms it is used by all the inhabitants of North- 
ern Europe — the Germans, Swedes, Norwegians, Russians — 
and, we are told, by the Indians of this continent. As em- 



BATHS. 135 

ployed in this country, it consists of antechambers, or dressing- 
rooms, warmed from 70° to 95° Fahr., and the bath-chamber. 
The latter is constructed of wood, and on one side of the 
room are rows of benches, usually three in number, one above 
the other. The temperature of the bath is according to the 
elevation of the bench; on the lower it is about 96° Fahr., 
and on the upper one it may be as high as 160° Fahr. The 
bather disrobes in the anteroom, and then, lightly covered, en- 
ters the bath. He first reclines on the lower shelf, then on 
the middle, next, on the upper, remaining five, ten, or fifteen 
minutes on each, the time varying as the person is accustomed 
to the bath. At certain stages of this process, when the skin 
is red and the body very hot, the person is taken to a side- 
room and showered with cool, or even cold water ; the skin 
being so intensely hot the sensation is very agreeable, and no 
danger need be apprehended, provided the contact of cold be 
brief. In Russia the attendant also rubs the body vigorously 
with various irritating and cleansing substances, such as the 
inner bark of the lime-tree, previously soaked in soap-suds, a 
hempen wisp, bran and soap-suds, or flannel cloths, the selec- 
tion being adapted to the condition of the patient. The body 
is also kneaded, and the various joints rubbed and twisted till 
they are perfectly supple. The hot vapor is usually admitted 
to the room from coils of steam-pipes, but in Russia it is pro- 
duced by throwing water on red-hot shot or stones ; and there 
the equivalent for the cold shower often consists in running 
out into the open air and rolling in the snow, immediately re- 
turning, however, to the hot vapor-room. The duration of the 
bath for those not habituated is about fifteen minutes ; but, 
after becoming accustomed to it, it may be prolonged to a 
half-hour, or even an hour. After the bath the person retires 
to an adjoining room, and remains till cool, usually partaking 
of some warm drink. If, however, copious perspiration is de- 
sirable, the patient is wrapped in blankets and reclines on a 
couch, where he remains for some time. 

Sot-Air Bath. — In the hot-air bath the body is surrounded 
by a medium which, although it tends to increase its heat, pre- 



136 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

sents at the same time the best conditions for conveying* the 
heat away. The skin is stimulated to increased activity, and 
perspiration exudes from every pore ; but it is immediately 
converted into vapor, which, in the change, absorbs enormous 
quantities of heat, and thus the body remains about the nor- 
mal temperature. Experiment has proved that a person may 
remain seven minutes in dry air at 210° Fahr., and the body- 
heat will not rise more than one degree in temperature. In 
the hot-air bath the loss by evaporation depends more on the 
length of time passed in it than the temperature. Ten min- 
utes passed in a hot-air bath of 122° Fahr., and one of 212° 
Fahr., give rise to the same loss by evaporation, and this in 
a constant proportion. 1 The difference between the toleration 
of a hot-vapor bath and a hot-air bath has already been no- 
ticed. While in the one we cannot endure a heat above 160° 
or 170° Fahr., in the other we can readily remain for some 
time after it passes the point of boiling-water. It is related 
that the workmen of the sculptor, Sir F. Chan trey, were in the 
habit of entering a furnace in which moulds were dried when 
the floor was red-hot and the thermometer stood at 350° Fahr. 
Ohabert, the " Fire King," frequently entered an oven at a 
temperature of from 400° to 600° Fahr. 

The physiological -effects of hot air are somewhat as fol- 
lows : On entering a bath of 160° Fahr. persons not accus- 
tomed to it usually experience a slight smarting and itching 
of the entire body. The pulse becomes at first small and fre- 
quent, respiration is impeded, and there is a feeling of con- 
striction about the forehead. After some moments the pulse 
becomes fuller, but still increased in frequency, and the tem- 
poral arteries throb. 2 The skin feels hot, and there is a pun- 
gent, burning sensation about the nostrils. A copious per- 
spiration covers the body, and sometimes the mouth is dry. 3 

i Bell on "Baths," p. 525. 

2 In my own case, after thirty-five minutes passed in the Turkish bath, twenty-five of 
which I was subject to 120° Fahr., and the last ten to 176" Fahr., the pulse rose from 84 on 
entering to 144. 

3 The colored attendant whom I met in the Turkish bath made the following statement : 
He is in the bathing-chambers six hours each day, the temperature of the air with which 



BATHS. 137 

The immediate after-effect of a hot-air bath is depressing, 
though when properly used it may prove tonic. 

The Turkish Bath. — This is the form of hot-air bath in 
general use both in this country and Europe. It consists of 
four apartments: First, the undressing-room, at a tempera- 
ture of about 80° Fahr. Here you disrobe, receive a light 
gown, and place your feet in sandals with wooden soles. 
Leaving this room, the tepidarium, is entered. This is a 
chamber usually about ten feet square and nine feet high, the 
floor of slate or marble, and the walls of tile. Within this 
apartment are couches, on which you recline, usually remain- 
ing fifteen minutes. Temperature of this room, 120° Fahr. 
From the tepidarium you are conducted into the shampooing- 
room, of larger dimensions ; temperature about the same. In 
■the centre of this chamber is an elevated marble table, on 
which you place yourself, and every portion of the body is 
rubbed thoroughly and kneaded by the bath-attendant. From 
this room you enter the caldarium, and recline on a couch. 
This apartment is similar in size and construction to the tepi- 
darium, but the temperature is 176° Fahr., and the walls are 
burning to the touch. Here you remain for ten minutes, the 
perspiration breaking forth from every portion of the body, 
and a pungent, burning sensation being felt about the nos- 
trils. Then you are again taken to the shampooing-room, 
where you are douched with water of about 98° Fahr., and 
rubbed with wisps of sea-grass or hemp; then douched again. 
The attendant then takes a wooden strigil^ of the antique pat- 
tern, and scrapes the body and. extremities. Next you are 
showered with water of 90° Fahr. ; then douched with water 
of 70° Fahr., the latter giving considerable shock, and termi- 
nating the bath. You are then conducted to the dressing- 
room, where, after being thoroughly dried, you recline for 

he is surrounded during that time varying from 120° to 200° Fahr., some persons taking 
baths at the last-named temperature. He has followed this occupation four years. He has 
lost considerable in weight, and has very little appetite. Tongue is white and furred. Suf- 
fers fi-om.constipation — a passage once in two days; previous to taking charge of baths, hav- 
ing been regular. Passes very little urine. Perspires freely in the bath. Feels stupid. 
Sleeps very soundly ; and frequently feels numb in portions of his body when he wakes. 



138 MINERAL SPRINGS 

some time on a couch, enjoying the pleasurable " dolce-far- 
niente " condition in which you find yourjself. The system is 
in a state of lassitude, with a pleasant inclination to repose, 
unaccompanied, however, by the slightest sensation of weari- 
ness or fatigue. During the entire process the pulse has 
ranged as high as sixty beats per minute above the normal 
standard ; and considerable skill has been required on the part 
of the attendant in adjusting the cooling douches so as to 
leave you at the close with the body cooled to the natural 
temperature. 

The Turkish bath in the Orient is the same as that de- 
scribed, excepting that the chambers are not heated so high, 
the caldarium not being above 105° Fahr. For the purpose 
of the bath in health this temperature is preferable. 

In Persia, India, and Egypt, the baths are similar to those 
of Turkey ; and it seems that in countries of a southern lati- 
tude preference is always given to the hot-air bath, while in 
northern countries the hot-vapor bath is most in vogue. 

As a therapeutic agent, the Russian and Turkish baths are 
applicable to chronic skin-diseases of the dry kind, and all 
chronic diseases in which it is desirable to stimulate the func- 
tions of the skin and produce active elimination, as gout, 
rheumatism, albuminuria, diabetes, torpid liver, etc. Care, 
however, must be used in the selection of cases; and the 
feeble, or those suffering from organic diseases of the heart 
or lungs, should not be subjected to the excitement of these 
baths. 

The Douche. — This is an arrangement for projecting a 
stream of water on any part of the body at will. It is an ex- 
ceedingly active agent, stimulating the blood-vessels, nerves, 
and lymphatics of the part to which it is applied, and, through 
the nervous system, affecting the entire organism. It may be 
used of tepid, warm, or hot water, the effects varying in de- 
gree according to the temperature. The cold douche is sel- 
dom employed, except when the surface of the skin has been 
artificially overheated. 

Douches are differently named, according to the mode of 



BATHS. 139 

projecting the water. The ordinary shower-bath is a descend- 
ing douche. 

An ascending douche, frequently employed in diseases of 
the vagina, uterus, and rectum, is formed by an elastic India- 
rubber tubing, of convenient length, attached to a reservoir of 
tepid water, and terminated by metal tips, which are perfo- 
rated with many holes, or have but a single orifice, accord- 
ing to the effect desired. 

The force of the column of water for the uterine or rectal 
douche should be within the following limits : For the uterus, 
from two to six feet pressure ; for the rectum, from two and 
a half to ten feet. The temperature may range from 82° 
to 92° Fahr , though, in some cases, it may be as high as 
98° Fahr. 

The fan-douche is a metal tip, spreading out like an ordi- 
nary fan, with the perforations at the circumference of the 
fan. 

The ring douche is a cylinder formed of coiled pipes ris- 
ing one above the other to the height of six feet, and about 
two and a half feet in diameter. These pipes are all per- 
forated on the inside, and, when the patient is within and the 
water turned on, he is showered from every point of the cir- 
cumference. 

The universal douche is a similar contrivance, by which 
the person is showered from every direction — above, below, 
and on all sides. 

The spout-bath is a douche of great power. It is formed 
by an orifice of from one to two and a half inches in diameter, 
from which the water is projected, over and downward, from a 
height of five or six feet. The patient, usually reclining on a 
slab, places himself under this stream of water and permits it 
to flow on the diseased part. 

The Sitz-Bath. — This is a bath in which the thighs and 
middle portions of the body only are immersed, in other words, 
the person sits down in the water. It may be cold, warm, or 
hot, and acts according to the temperature. The warm sitz- 
bath produces relaxation of the tissues of the pelvis and re- 



140 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

lieves irritation, thus giving relief in stricture of the urethra, 
nephritic colic, amenorrhcea, and dysmenorrhcea. The cold 
or hot sitz-bath should be employed with caution. 

The foot-bath has the effects of the warm or hot bath, ac- 
cording to temperature, though in a modified degree. This 
distinction, however, should be made: the primary action 
of the hot foot-bath, by the turgescence of the blood-vessels 
of the feet, relieves slight engorgements in other parts of 
the body, especially when the head is the seat of the en- 
gorgement. 

Mineral-Mud Bath. — This bath consists of mineral mud 
taken from the marshy ground about the source of the spring. 
This mud, having been previously thoroughly dried, is placed 
in a large vat and mingled with hot mineral water till of a 
plastic consistency. The patient immerses himself in this hot 
mineral mud, varying in temperature from 85° to 100° Fahr., 
and remains from one to several hours. He then passes from 
this vat to an adjoining warm-water bath, where he is cleansed, 
thoroughly rubbed and dried. 

Although of recent introduction in this country, this bath 
is of ancient date, having been described by Pliny and Galen. 
The effect of the bath is to produce a lively excitation of the 
skin, followed by free perspiration. When the baths have 
been continued for some time, miliary and erythematous 
eruptions sometimes occur on the surface of the skin, un- 
accompanied, however, as a rule, by the feverish conditions 
which present in the eruptions from prolonged warm or hot 
bathing. 

This kind of bath is chiefly employed in diseases of the 
skin, chronic rheumatism, and affections of the joints, such as 
engorgements, contractions, and concretions. The good results 
of these baths abroad, in diseases of this nature, are attributed 
by the best authorities entirely to the external and topical ap- 
plication of heat, and the irritation produced by the friction 
of the mud. No heed is given to the supposed absorption of 
the chemical constituents. T give, however, the chief constitu- 
ents of the most celebrated mineral-mud bath in Europe, that 



BATHS. 



141 



of Franzensbad, as taken from an exceedingly accurate analy- 
sis by Radig : 



One thousand parts of the dried mud consist of the following : 



Sulphate of protoxide of iron 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of lime 

Chloride of sodium 

Protoxide of iron 

Alumina . 

Magnesia 

Silica 

Coarse sand 

Humic acid and ulmine . 

Vegetable substances 

Vegetable substances (undestroyed) 



Parts. 
24 
38 
14 
10 
88 
29 
14 
42 
50 
180 
62 
423 

9*74 



The remaining substances are sulphates of alumina, magnesia, strontia, 
lithia, manganese, and phosphate of lime. The original analysis is carried 
out to five places of decimals. 

As a curiosity, the sand-bath may be mentioned. It con- 
sists in burying one's body in the warm sand of the sea-shore 
and remaining for some hours. It is practised by the Tartars 
of the Crimea. By this process slight perspirations, followed 
by eruptions, are produced. 

Medicated Baths. — All baths of mineral-spring water, con- 
taining considerable mineral constituents, may be placed in 
this class ; also, those r^aths of ordinary water in which medi- 
cines are dissolved. The substances most frequently intro- 
duced are alkaline carbonates, with a view of imitating the 
baths of alkaline mineral waters — common salt producing a 
bath somewhat resembling that of saline waters ; sulphuret 
of sodium forming a bath similar to that of sulphur-waters. 
Baths of the fumes of various medicines — termed fumiga- 
tions — are also used ; of these, those of sulphur and mercury 
are most frequently employed. The person to be subjected 
to this process is seated on a stool, within a close box,. the 



142 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

head only projecting from an aperture. The fumes are intro- 
duced beneath the stool, and the body is thus enveloped in an 
atmosphere highly charged with the vapor of medicinal sub- 
stances. 

Carbonic-Acid Bath. — This bath can only be used advan- 
tageously at springs where there is an abundant escape of the 
gas. Over the spring, or a portion of the spring, a bell-shaped 
reservoir is placed, and from, the upper part flexible tubing 
conveys the gas to the room in which baths are given, or to a 
second reservoir, which may be arranged like the ordinary gas- 
ometer, so that the gas may escape under pressure. The bath- 
ing apparatus consists of an impervious box, within which the 
patient is seated, the head being without the box, and care be- 
ing taken that properly-adjusted rubber-cloth envelops the 
throat, so that the gas may not escape, and the patient respire 
a sufficient quantity to become asphyxiated. The patient may 
take the bath with or without his clothing, as he desires. The 
effect of this bath has been described by M. Rotureau as fol- 
lows : He experienced a lively sense of warmth, with redness 
of the face and pricking of the skin, accompanied at first by 
coldness of the feet ; the pulse diminished in frequency. The 
bath was followed by a sense of renewed vigor and activity. 
In one experiment which he made, completely undressed, he 
felt at first exceedingly cold, and the heat that succeeded was 
accompanied with insupportable itching. The gas has also been 
administered in the form of a douche. According to Althaus, 
when applied locally to the eye, carbonic acid produces a 
burning sensation in the conjunctiva, accompanied with con- 
gestion. The secretions are increased, and tears flow freely ; 
but, if the application is long continued, the secretions may be 
suppressed ; the eye becomes congested, and disturbance of 
vision follows. When a douche of carbonic acid is directed 
upon the ear, the sense of hearing becomes more acute, the 
secretions of the lining membrane are augmented, and some- 
times drowsiness follows the operation. Applied to the mouth 
or fauces, an acidulous taste is experienced, together with an 
astringent sensation, and the uvula and root of the tongue be- 



BATHS. 143 

come injected ; the flow of saliva is also increased. If the 
application be long continued, there are loss of taste and a sense 
of heaviness in the tongue, and, when douched upon the abdo- 
men, it is said to promote hemorrhoidal and menstrual flow, 
and in pregnant women to cause abortion. 

The diseases in which the carbonic-acid bath is said to 
have proved useful, are rheumatism, neuralgia, paralysis, and 
granular pharyngitis. 



CHAPTER X 

ALKALINE V'A TEES. 

Waters thus classified contain, as prominent constituents, 
the carbonates of soda, potassa, lithia, lime, and magnesia, 
the carbonate of soda being usually in much greater propor- 
tion than other carbonates. They also frequently contain a 
small proportion of chloride of sodium, and sulphate of soda, 
and potassa. They generally contain a large quantity of car- 
bonic-acid gas. The action of these waters depends on the 
alkaline carbonates above mentioned, varied, however, by 
their peculiar combination with other salts, and sometimes 
by undiscovered ingredients. They tend to stimulate the 
stomach, to increase the appetite, to render the urine alkaline, 
to increase its flow, and in a slight degree to promote the 
activity of the skin. These waters prove purgative only in 
exceptional instances, usually producing constipation. They 
especially act on the mucous membranes, lessening catarrhal 
discharges. 

Waters of this class, when of high temperature, prove ex- 
ceedingly beneficial in gout, and it is in this disease that the 
alkaline Vichy waters of Europe have attained so great celeb- 
rity. Why these waters prove more beneficial than the active 
ingredients, given in the usual way, is not well understood. 
The fact, however, is incontestable, that waters of this class 
frequently prove more valuable than any other remedy. The . 
cases of gout to which they are especially applicable are those 
in which the patient is of full habit. Waters of this class also 
prove beneficial in cases of uric-acid gravel, though the decided 
curative effect that was once expected has not been realized. 



ALKALINE WATERS. 145 

In catarrh of the bladder, however, they frequently prove 
curative. Icterus, depending on catarrh of the hepatic ducts, 
is relieved by them. Chronic bronchitis, or catarrh of the 
respiratory organs, unaccompanied by organic disease of the 
heart, will be favorably influenced by their use. Care, how- 
ever, should be taken that cases subjected to their action have 
no tendency to haemoptysis. It is this class of waters that 
have so long been known in Europe as proving decidedly ben- 
eficial in cases of diabetes mellitus. In one of the Western 
States, a spring is advertised as a new discovery — a cure in this 
disease — and that it is of value is undoubted ; but, curiously 
enough, we find that it also is an alkaline water — no discovery, 
after all. Under the use of alkaline waters, the diabetic 
patient gains in strength, the harassing thirst ceases, the skin 
becomes moist, the urine is reduced almost to normal specific 
gravity, and often every trace of sugar disappears. In some 
incipient cases, it is quite probable a cure has taken place ; 
but, though this result be not attained, the disease is often 
stayed in its course, and Althaus tells us that, " in some in- 
stances diabetes has, by the use of the Vichy waters, been 
brought to a stand-still for years." 1 In cases of gall-stones, 
these waters frequently give relief, causing them to be passed 
with less pain, and, by a periodical use for several seasons, 
entirely removing the tendency to formation of them. Dys- 
pepsia, accompanied with acidity, is favorably affected, and 
that somewhat vague disease, catarrh of the stomach, more 
properly chronic gastritis, is amenable to treatment by these 
waters. 

It will be seen that these waters, and the alkaline-saline 
waters, are in several instances, recommended in similar cases. 
The distinction to be made in determining, for a given case, 
which is preferable, is based on the answer to the question, 
whether the patient is of constipated habit, and requires an 
aperient or cathartic medicine ; if he does, then the alkaline- 
saline waters are superior to the purely alkaline. Waters 
which contain a considerable proportion of carbonic-acid gas 

1 " Spas of Europe," p. 320. 



146 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



are preferable, because more readily absorbed, and more agree- 
able to the taste. 

BLADON SPBINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Bladon Springs, Choctaw County, Alabama. 

Access. — From Mobile up the Tombigbee River, one hundred miles north, 
by steamboat, on Tuesdays and Fridays, to Bladon landing ; thence three 
miles and a half by stage. Or go to Demopolis, on the Alabama Central 
Railroad, forty-two miles west of Selma ; thence by steamboat, on Tuesdays 
and Fridays, south, on Tombigbee River, about fifty miles to the landing. 

Hotel. — Bladon Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


Vichy Spring, 

67° Fahr. 
Profs. J. L. and 
W. P. Riddell. 


Branch Spring, 

67° Fahr. 
Profs. J. L. and 
W. P. Riddell. 


Old Spring. 
Prof. R. T. 
Brumby. 


Sulphur Spring, 

67° Fahr. 
Profs. J. L. and 
W. P. Riddell. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
5.791 
0.036 
i 0.062 
0.109 

2 0.282 

trace. 

6.282 


Grains. 
5.151 
0.076 

1 0.029 
0.26T 

2 0.349 
0.237 


Grains. 
4.111 
0.170 

0.344 
0.962 
0.002 
0.030 

0.263 
0.091 
0.075 

6.040 


Grains. 
4.367 


Carbonate of magnesia 


0.081 
1 0.095 




0.302 








0.370 






Sulphate of manganese 


trace. 












0.156 










Total 


6.562 

Cubic inch. 
8.18 

trace. 
3 0.23 


6.112 

Cubic inch. 

7.40 

trace. 

3 0.23 


6.088 

Cubic inch. 

4.07 

undetermined. 


5.371 


Gases. 


Cubic inch. 

6.61 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 

Chlorine 


0.07 
3 0.23 



Properties. — It will be seen from the analysis that these 
are nearly pure alkaline waters, charged with considerable 
carbonic-acid gas. The sulphur spring does not differ mate- 
rially from the other springs, except in containing a small pro- 
portion of sulphuretted hydrogen. They are very valuable 
waters of the class, and will prove appropriate in the cases to 
which alkaline waters are applicable. 

Remarks. — The surrounding country is rolling. In every 



1 Carbonate of iron and oxide of alumina. 

2 Sulphate of lime and silicic acid. 

3 (Probably combined with sodium, forming chloride of sodium.— W.) 



ALKALINE WATERS. 147 

direction the eye rests on the primeval forest, composed al- 
most entirely of pine-trees, and appropriately called "Piney 
Woods." 

These springs are much frequented, and possess the con- 
veniences of such resorts. 

CONGRESS SPRINGS. 

Loeation. — Santa Clara County, California. 

Access. — Go to Santa Clara, a station on the San Jose branch of the Cen- 
tral Pacific Railroad, about forty miles south from San Francisco ; thence by 
stage. Or to San Jose, forty-seven miles south from San Erancisco ; thence 
twelve miles by stage. 

Hotel. — Congress Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains at 50° Fahr. : 
Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of soda ..... 15.418 



Carbonate of iron . 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of sodium 

Sulphate of soda 

Silica, alumina, and trace of magnesia 

Total . 



1.753 
2.161 
14.894 
1.517 
6.235 

41.978 



Properties. — According to the analysis, the accuracy of 
which is doubtful, these are valuable waters of the muriated- 
alJcaline subdivision, possessing at the same time chalybeate 
qualities. When highly charged with carbonic-acid gas they 
form an agreeable drink, and are largely bottled and sold in 
California. 

Memarlcs — The hotel is located on the summit of a moun- 
tain-spur, overlooking the foot-hills, and giving a view of blue 
mountain-peaks in the distance. 

The springs, one-half mile distant from the hotel, are reached 
by a winding mountain-road. 

The taste of the water reveals the presence of iron, which 
is indicated as well by the rusty-colored deposit which settles 
where it flows. 1 

1 Overland Monthly, June, 1870. 



148 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



CALIFORNIA SELTZER SPRINGS. 

Location. — Mendocino County, California. 

Post-Office. — Sanel, Mendocino County, California. 

Access.— From San Francisco by steamer to Donahue, thence by Califor- 
nia & Northern Pacific Railroad to Sanel ; thence twelve miles by stage to 
the springs. 

Hotel. — Fountain House. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (F. A. Bauer) : 
Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of soda . . . . . 4.61 

Carbonate of magnesia ..... 5.65 

Carbonate of lime . . . . . . 8.80 

Carbonate of iron ..... trace. 

Chloride of sodium . . . . . 2.15 

Silicic acid ...... trace. 

Total 21.21 

Gas — Carbonic acid, abundant. (1871.) 

Properties. — According to the analysis, this is a very fine 
alkaline water, and we should expect it to act favorably in 
cases of dyspepsia and diseases of the liver and bladder, in 
which alkaline waters are indicated. 



PERRY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Perry Springs, Pike County, Illinois. 
Access. — By Hannibal & Naples Railroad to Griggsville, thirty -six miles 
east of Hannibal ; thence six miles and a half by stage. 
Hotel. — Perry Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


No. 1. 

Middle Spring. 

H. Engelmann, M. D. 


No. 2. 

Upper Spring. 

H. Engelmann, M. D. 


No. 3. 

Lower Spring. 
H. Engelmann, M. D. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.199 
1.260 
0.051 
1.380 
0.055 
0.330 
0.015 


Grains. 
0.181 
1.097 
0.040 
1.715 
0.137 
0.285 
0.04S 


Grains. 
0.157 




0.777 




0.025 




1.708 




0.173 


Silicate of potassa and soda 


0.431 
0.072 




034 






Total 


3.290 


3.503 


3.377 



— (" Geology of Illinois," vol. iv., p. 41.) 
The temperature throughout the year is from 48° to 50° Fahr. 



ALKALINE WATERS. 



149 



Remarks. — These springs are situated in a beautiful val- 
ley, surrounded by wooded hills. They are located about two 
and a half miles southeast of Perry, on one of the tributaries 
of McGee's Creek. The springs issue from the upper part of 
the Keokuk limestone, which underlies the valley and outcrops 
along the bluffs of the creek below the spring. 1 They are 
about two hundred yards apart. The upper one is called the 
sulphur spring, the middle one the magnesium, and the lower 
one the iron spring. The flow of the springs is about as fol- 
lows : No. 1, one and a half gallon per minute ; No. 2, one ; 



No. 3, two. 



VERSAILLES SPRINGS. 



Location and Post-Office. — Versailles, Brown County, Illinois. 

Access. — Versailles is a station on the Toledo, "Wabash & Western Rail- 
road, forty-eight miles east of Quincy, and sixty-six miles west of Springfield ; 
springs, one mile and three-quarters from station. 

Hotel. — Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


Magnesia Spring. 
G. A Marriner. 


Curry Spring. 
J. V. Z. Blaney, M. D. 


Monitor Spring. 
J. V. Z. Blaney, M. D. 


Solids. 
Carbonate of potassa and soda . 
Carbonate of soda 


Grains. 
0.165 

i.ii'9 

0.008 
1.S25 

trace. 

trace. 

o'.irs 


Grains, 
trace. 
0.953 
0.933 

1.514 
trace. 
0.261 

0.091 
0.102 
trace. 


Grains. 

trace. 
0.953 


Carbonate of magnesia, 


0.873 
2 267 


Carbonate of lime 


2.017 










Potassa 




Alumina and trace of iron 

Silica 


0.213 


Organic matter 








Total 


8.292 

Cubic inch. 
3 


3.S54 


4 323 


Gas. 
Carbonic acid 





Remarks. — The springs are situated in a valley surrounded 
by hills, composed entirely of loess and drift. The valley was 
originally a part of the ancient valley of the Illinois River, and 
was excavated one hundred feet or more into the carbonifer- 
ous rocks, which were once continuous across the area now 
occupied by the valley. 3 

The temperature of the water is 58° Fahr. 

1 " Geology of Illinois." 2 Trace of alumina. 3 " Geology of Illinois." 



150 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



ST. LOUIS SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office.— St. Louis, Gratiot County, Michigan. 

Access. — From Detroit, via Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, ninety- 
eight miles, to East Saginaw ; thence thirty miles by railroad to the springs. 
Or from Detroit, via Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, ninety-eight miles, to St. 
John's ; thence thirty miles by stage. 

Hotels. — -Eastman House, McHenry Hotel, Union Hotel. 





ANALYSIS. 


One pint contains 


(50° Fahr. S. P. Duffield, M. D.): 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda . 


. ■ 7.684 


Carbonate of magnesia . 


. 1.080 


Carbonate of iron . 


0.091 


Carbonate of lime 


. 5.019 


Chloride of lime 


. . . trace. 


Sulphate of lime 


. 6.925 


Silicate of lime 


0.700 


Silica 


. 0.299 


Organic matter and loss 


0.208 


Total 


. 22.006 


Gases. 


Cubic inches. 


Carbonic acid 


1.36 


Sulphuretted hydrogen . 


. trace. 


roperties. — The above analysis shows these waters i 



strongly alkaline, and at the same time containing a small 
proportion of iron. They also contain sufficient of the salts 
of lime to ally them to calcic waters. From the constituents 
we would expect the waters to prove beneficial in acid dyspep- 
sia, biliary calculus, and diseases of the bladder. The results 
of treatment, as exhibited by Dr. Stiles Kennedy, 1 show the 
waters to have been especially beneficial in dyspepsia and 
neuralgia. From his report of cases treated at the St. Louis 
Spring we have compiled the following table. (See page 151.) 
Many of these cases were doubtless of the severest type ; 
and the above results certainly appear favorable. It must be 
remembered, however, that all cases treated by Dr. Kennedy 
are not reported, and that of all who visited the spring only 



1 "Magnetic and Mineral Springs of Michigan.' 
ton, Del. : James & Webb, 1872. 



By Stiles Kennedy, M. D. Wilming- 



SKELETON MAP 

OF 

MICHIGAN, 

SHOWING 

MINERAL SPRINGS, 




Si 
SlLtfuis. 



£AST 

\naw 



-Caspar Z 



s 









^///////j/fL 






3£< 









-". 



egwa. 









"%?&<£ 






§-" 



fe* - 

ISM 

,TER ^ 



*JfB 1 ■ I mi Hi 4 „0> "■■KjWAr* write* JysVV^lieJ. V- ** i 






ALKALINE WATERS. 



151 



No. of Cases. 


Cured. 


Improved. 


Not 
benefited. 


8 


7 


1 




12 


4 


5 


3 


6 


2 


4 




1 


1 






1 




1 




1 






1 


4 




4 




1 




1 




1 




1 




2 


2 






3T 


16 


17 


4 



Average dura- 
tion of 
Treatment. 



Dyspepsia 

Neuralgia 

Chronic rheumatism . . . 
Subacute rheumatism . . 
Gonorhoeal rheumatism. 
Kheumatism "noueux 1 

Paralysis 

Paraplegia 

Hemiplegia 

Anaesthesia (partial). . . . 

Total 



1 month. 
3 months. 

2 months. 

1 month. 

3 weeks. 

2 months. 
2 months. 
2J- months. 
2-J- months. 
2J- weeks. 



a portion came under his observation. Again, the treatment 
was not limited to the internal use of the water, but all cases 
were subjected to the salutary influence of the bath ; and, in 
the majority of instances, it was the warm bath that was pre- 
scribed. That the fact of the warm water, being that of the 
St. Louis Spring, had any bearing on the relief afforded, needs 
more complete demonstration. Especially in rheumatic and 
paralytic affections was the warm or hot bath and douche re- 
sorted to, and, in many instances, the additional aid of the 
continued electric current. In paralytic affections no cures 
are reported, though all seem to have improved. How much 
of this is due to the medical treatment, or how much to the 
water, is difficult to determine ; our own impression is, that 
whatever was gained may be attributed to the combined ef- 
fects of the warm bath and douche, shampooing, and electricity, 
regardless of the constitution of the water. As to its so-called 
magnetic power we are entirely skeptical, as may be seen in 
the treatment of this subject on another page. This water, 
however, is highly mineralized ; and in cases of hemiplegia, 
depending on unabsorbed clot, some advantage may be ex- 
pected from the resolutive action of the water. In cases of 
this nature alkaline waters have been recommended by the 
best European authorities, to be employed, however, only after 
some months have elapsed from the apoplectic seizure. 

Although the report of Dr. Kennedy does not accurately 
determine the therapeutic value of this water, still it aids in 



1 The gouty rheumatism of some writers. 



152 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

elucidating the subject. We cannot forbear complimenting him 
on his report of cases ; and it is to be regretted that a similar 
method has not been pursued at the old-time resorts during 
the many years past. 

Remarks. — The St. Louis Spring is situated in a town of 
the same name, the outgrowth of the lumbering interests of 
this portion of Michigan. On either hand it is surrounded by 
far-extending pine-forests, while near by flows Pine River. 
The well was the result of an attempt, in 1869, to procure a 
flow of salt-water, of which there is an abundance in many 
parts of Michigan. But when, at a depth of 200 feet, the 
water came from the artesian tube fresh and sparkling, it was 
abandoned, and received no further attention. However, as I 
was informed by the proprietor, after some months had passed 
by, a workman, engaged in constructing an extension of the 
neighboring mill, let his chisel fall near the tube, and it was 
immediately attracted toward it. Surprised at this, he called 
the attention of others to the fact, and soon numbers of people 
were found at the well magnetizing knife-blades on the tubing. 
It needed but a step in popular reasoning to transfer the mag- 
netism of the tube to the water ; and then the cry of " Mag- 
netic water ! " resounded through the village. It is said that 
an old paralytic, hopeless of cure, reasoned that if he could 
drink magnetism, and bathe in magnetism, his helpless limbs 
would move spryly again. So he commenced drinking the 
water and bathing vigorously, and, as the story goes, entirely 
recovered. The cry of " Magnetic water ! " and the story of 
this cure were sounded through the State, and soon thousands 
flocked thither for relief. 

Visitors at these springs are much attracted by the yellow- 
tinged articles of glass-ware that are sold at the spring. This 
color is the result of permitting a constant shower of the water 
to fall on the clear glass for many days. The yellow tinge is 
found to be a deposit " mainly of ferric oxide with carbonates 
of lime and magnesia." x 

1 "Magnetic and Mineral Springs of Michigan," p. 58. 



ALKALINE WATERS. 



153 



LOWER SODA SPRING. 

Location . — Linn County, Oregon. 

Access. — By private conveyance from Salem, about thirty miles southeast. 

Hotel* — Finlay's. 

Analysis. — No accurate analysis of these waters has been 
made. They abound in carbonic acid and contain carbonates 
of soda and iron. 1 

Remarks. — These springs are situated on the Cascade 
Mountains, on the south fork of the Santiam, amid surround- 
ing evidences of volcanic action. They escape from the base 
of a mountain-spur of porphyritic rock. The water flows 
from the springs with considerable force. It is somewhat 
affected in quantity by the varying seasons. 



SHELDON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont. 

Access. — Go to St. Albans, a station on the Yermont Central Railroad, in 
the northwest corner of the State ; thence ten miles east, by Missisquoi Val- 
ley Railroad, to Sheldon. Persons going to the Sheldon Spring, one of the 
group, buy ticket to Congress Hall Station, eight miles east of St. Albans. 

Hotels. — Bellevue, Central (at the Sheldon Spring, Congress Hall), Ver- 
mont House, Portland House. 

Analysis. — No reliable quantitative analysis of these waters 
has ever been published. However, the prominent constitu- 
ents are the alkaline carbonates, and silicic acid combined with 

1 The following extract is from the Oregon Medical and Surgical Reporter, Septem- 
ber, 1870 : 

" On subjecting specimens of these several springs to a somewhat hasty analysis, the 
following result was given : 



Solids. 


No. 1. 
In one ounce. 


No. 2. 
In one ounce. 


No. 3. 

In one ounce. 




1.25 grs. 
.40 grs. 

.25 grs. 

no trace, 
wanting. 


5.02 grs. 

.35 grs. 

trace. 

1.25 grs. 

wanting. 


10.02 grs. 
.98 grs. 








.36 grs. 
.05 grs. 


Carbonate of lime .. . . 











" Free carbonic-acid gas completely saturates the water of No. l. v 



154 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

alkaline bases, forming silicates. There is also a small pro- 
portion of iron and some organic matter ; also, traces of fluo- 
rides. It is exceedingly desirable that some chemist of ac- 
knowledged ability make a thorough analysis of these waters. 

Properties.— All of the waters are alkaline to test-paper. 

The water of the Sheldon Spring is pleasant to the taste, 
with an almost imperceptible odor of sulphuretted hydrogen. 
The Missisquoi water is limpid, without odor, and to the sense 
of taste does not differ from ordinary water. The Vermont 
water has a very slight taste of iron. 

Aside from the known favorable action of alkaline waters 
in acid gravel, gout, and catarrhal disease of the bladder, the 
especial point to be considered in connection with these springs 
is their efficacy in cancer. It is claimed by the owners of the 
springs that they will cure true cancer. Is there a well-authen- 
ticated case of true cancer having been cured by these waters ? 
I answer, No. But, while making this assertion, it must at 
the same time be stated that cases of true cancer have been 
palliated while using them. To confirm this we quote, by per- 
mission, from a paper read before the New York Academy of 
Medicine, February 17, 1870, by Prof. Fordyce Barker, on 
" Malignant Diseases of the Uterus." Under the head of con- 
stitutional treatment, he says : " The Missisquoi water of St. 
Albans, Vermont, has in some cases seemed to be of great 
benefit in arresting, for a time, the progress of the disease. In 
many, the use of these waters has seemed to produce no re- 
sults. Many others, to whom I have suggested their use, have 
never reported to me, and it is therefore probable that the re- 
sults in these cases were negative. But, in a few instances — 
one of cancer of the breast and four of uterine cancer — the 
apparent effect has been more striking than any results I have 
ever seen from any other agent. None were cured ; but the 
ulcerated surface was cleaned off, as though it had been ex- 
cised with the knife ; the fetor, the discharge, and the pain, 
ceased for some time, and the health of the patient was 
greatly improved. One, a poor woman, whom I first saw in 
May, 1867, with ulcerated carcinoma, involving both the neck 



ALKALINE WATERS. 155 

and body of the uterus, and exceedingly feeble, emaciated, and 
broken down by the profuse and horribly offensive discharges 
and repeated haemorrhages, rapidly improved both in her local 
and general condition under the use of these waters. She is 
still alive, although the uterus is nearly destroyed ; but her 
general condition is much better than when I first saw her. I 
will allude to another case, a patient of Dr. Sims. I first saw 
this lady with him in December, 1868. Dr. Sims informed me 
that when he examined her in Paris, in August, the whole sur- 
face of the enlarged cervix was one mass of rough, ragged 
ulceration. When I examined her, the diseased surface was 
as smooth as if it had been excised with a knife, and there 
was no discharge and no odor, although she suffered from hor- 
rible pains. She died a few months subsequently; but Dr. 
Sims expresses the strong conviction (and I concur with him) 
that her life was prolonged by the use of the Missisquoi wa- 
ters. Although the general sentiment of the profession does 
not coincide with mine on this point, I cannot but avow the 
belief that the therapeutic effects of these waters are emi- 
nently worthy of careful investigation." A note appended to 
the above quotation runs thus : "In a letter which I have re- 
cently received from Dr. D. F. Fassett, of St. Albans, Ver- 
mont, a gentleman who is probably more competent than any 
one else to give an opinion based on extensive personal obser- 
vation, as to the effects of these waters, he says : ' I have 
notes of four cases only of malignant disease of the uterus, 
under my own observation, all of whom used the water, one 
with marked benefit, and three with no benefit. But I have 
seen many cases of malignant disease located elsewhere, as in 
breast, face, and extremities, where the effect was to cause 
marked improvement in the general health and in the local 
manifestation of the disease ; but there was no positive 
cure.' " 

It may be added that during August, 1871, the author vis- 
ited the Sheldon Springs, and while there saw a man suffering 
from epithelioma of the lower lip, the ulcer having eaten away 

to the level of the gum. His own statement was that he came 
8 



156 MINEKAL SPKINGS. 

to the springs in June, 1871, and remained for about six weeks. 
During this time he was continually improving. The discharge 
lost its fetid odor and almost ceased, and he gained much in 
general health. He then returned to his home in Massachu- 
setts. Soon all his symptoms were as bad as ever. Again he 
went to the springs ; and, at the time he was seen, some weeks 
after his return, had about regained what he had lost. This 
patient used the water of the Sheldon Spring. 

Dr. G. S. Brigham had a patient suffering from cancer of 
the breast, who improved under the use of the Vermont Spring 
water. 

What conclusion do we derive from these facts ? Not that 
the water will cure cancer, but that sometimes it is decidedly 
palliative, and is worthy of trial in a malady so hopeless. It 
may also be stated that intractable ulcers (not cancers) have 
undoubtedly been healed under the use of these waters, as has 
been the case in the use of other waters. 

The method of using the water is to drink a glass three or 
four times a day, or use it exclusively in the place of ordinary 
drinking-water, even making tea and coffee with it, if they be 
used. Besides, patients are in the habit of applying clay dug- 
near the spring and moistened with the water* as an epithem. 
The clay, no doubt, acts only by its cooling tendency ; the 
water, however, as a lotion, may be an active agent. The wa- 
ters of Celles, department of Ardeche, France, since 1837 have 
been claimed to cure cancer ; and, very singularly, the Sheldon 
waters agree with them in the prominent constituents. 

JRemarks.—No springs are more delightfully situated than 
these, or could be more attractive to the invalid. They are 
four in number — the Central, within the village ; the Vermont, 
half a mile from the village ; the Missisquoi, one and a half 
mile northward ; and the Sheldon, two miles from the village 
— all on the banks of the Missisquoi River. Within sight are 
Mount Mansfield and other of the Green Mountains. A cool, 
bracing, and pure air sweeps over the hills, and attractive ex- 
cursions invite in every direction. The altitude is stated as 
two thousand feet above the sea. 



ALKALINE WATERS. 157 



MIDDIiETOWN SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Middletown, Rutland County, Vermont. 
Access. — From Albany, take Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad to Poultney, 
sixty-eight miles north ; thence eight miles, by stage, to springs. 
Hotel. — Montvert. 

Analysis. — No accurate analysis has ever been made. 



WELDEN SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — St. Albans, Franklin County, Vermont. 
Access. — St. Albans is a prominent railroad-station on the Vermont Cen- 
tral Railroad, in the extreme northwest corner of the State. 
Hotels. — Welden, Tremont, American. 

Analysis. — By A. A. Hayes, M. D., Boston, 1867, gives the 
constituents as follows : Carbonates of soda, magnesia, and 
lime ; chloride of sodium, sulphate of potassa and lime ; iodide 
of magnesium, crenate of iron, silicate of soda, amounting to 
over three grains in a pint. The especial characteristics of 
this water are the crenate of iron and iodide of magnesium. 

Remarks. — St. Albans is a delightful town, of five thou- 
sand inhabitants, overlooking Lake Champlain, two miles dis- 
tant, on the west. The spring is situated on Edwards Street, 
south of Lake Street, about ten minutes' walk west of the 
depot. 

ROCKBRIDGE BATHS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Rockbridge Baths, Rockbridge County, Vir- 
ginia. 

Access. — From the north, to Washington ; thence, via Orange, Alexan- 
dria & Manassas Railroad, to Goshen, one hundred and eighty-eight miles, south- 
west ; thence, via stage, nine miles, to the springs. From Richmond, via 
Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Goshen, one hundred and sixty-eight miles. 
From the southwest, via Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, Lynchburg, Char- 
lottesville, and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. From Cincinnati, to Hunting- 
ton, one hundred and sixty-five miles east, by river ; thence, by Chesapeake 
& Ohio Railroad, two hundred and fifty-one miles southeast, to Goshen. 

Hotel. — Rockbridge Baths. 

Analysis. — An analysis before us shows these waters to 
contain a considerable proportion of magnesia and iron, with 



158 . MINERAL SPRINGS. 

some iodine, though in what combinations is not stated. 
Temperature, 74° Fahr. 

Properties. — These waters, as the name implies, are mostly 
used for bathing, and the large supply of water and elevated 
temperature render them well fitted for this purpose. There 
is a large pool for gentlemen, forty by sixty feet, and five feet 
deep, and one somewhat smaller for ladies. As a tonic bath, 
these waters are of deserved merit, and find their appropriate 
sphere. 

MemarJcs. — These springs are delightfully situated on the 
banks of the North James River, and the ride to them through 
the Goshen Pass affords views of some of the most picturesque 
scenery in Virginia. Two miles from the baths, on a little 
island in the North River, is a sulphur-spring, which is fre- 
quently resorted to by visitors. 

CAPON SPRINGS AND BATHS. 

Location and Post-Office Address.— Capon Springs, Hampshire County, 
"West Virginia. 

Access. — From north, south, and southwest, go to Baltimore ; thence, by 
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, eighty-one miles, west to Harper's Ferry ; thence, 
thirty-two miles, south, on branch railroad, to Winchester ; thence, twenty- 
three miles, by stage, to the springs. From the west, go to Harper's Ferry, 
on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad ; thence as above. From Chesapeake & Ohio 
Railroad, passengers may leave at Staunton ; thence stage, twenty-four miles 
, north, to Harrisonburg ; thence sixty-eight miles, north by railroad, to 
Winchester. 

Hotel • — Mountain House. 

Analysis. — It is to be regretted that no quantitative anal- 
ysis of this valuable water can be given. A qualitative analy- 
sis shows it to contain soda and magnesia, in the form of car- 
bonates ; also iodine, bromine, and silicic acid. This water is 
highly charged with carbonic-acid gas. 

Properties. — The water has little taste or odor. Tempera- 
ture, 66° Fahr. Flow, one hundred gallons per minute. The 
elevation is eighteen hundred feet above the sea. This water 
is efficacious in the treatment of acid forms of dyspepsia, gas- 
tric catarrh-, uric-acid gravel, and catarrh of the bladder. Tt 



ALKALINE WATEES. 159 

is one of the best carbonated-alkaline waters in Virginia. It 
may also be stated that, for many years, farmers have brought 
their horses to drink these waters, as a remedy for botts, large 
numbers of the larvae being thereby discharged dead. As a 
deduction from this fact, they have been successfully prescribed 
for intestinal worms in children. 

Remarks. — The location of these springs, in a gorge of the 
North Mountain, where cool, salubrious air may be breathed, 
and mountain-climbing, trout-fishing and deer-hunting indulged, 
renders it a most delightful resort. The hotel, five stories high, 
with its grand Doric portico, is faced by a large and tastefully- 
designed bathing establishment, which is complete in its 
appointments. Plunge, shower, douche, and warm baths, are 
at the option of the visitor. 

There is also a fine chalybeate spring at Capon. 



CHAPTER XI. 

SALINE WATERS. 

The word saline is here used in the ordinary acceptation 
of the term, meaning waters in which chloride of sodium (com- 
mon salt) predominates. This designation has been thought 
objectionable by some authors, inasmuch as all the chemical 
salts contained in waters are included under the term saline ; 
and, thus considered, the word is not distinctive. But the first 
impression presented to any one on hearing the words saline 
water is, that it contains a notable proportion of chloride of so- 
dium ; and, thus restricted, the name seems exceedingly ap- 
propriate. 

When saline waters contain a very large amount of chlo- 
ride of sodium, they are known as brines, and constitute true 
salt wells or springs. Besides the chloride of sodium 1 there 
are other chlorides, also sulphates of potassa, soda, lime, and 
magnesia ; and, in a few instances, a considerable proportion 
of carbonates. It is in these waters that the rare ingre- 
dients, iodide and bromide of sodium, are most frequently 
found, on which, no doubt, their value in scrofula in a measure 
depends. 

Many of these waters contain considerable carbonic-acid 
gas, imparting to them an agreeable taste, and causing them 
to rest well on the stomach. When waters contain a large 
proportion of this gas, they are sometimes called acidulous sa- 
lines. When they contain much of the alkaline carbonates, 
they may be termed alkaline-saline waters. 

Saline waters promote the action of the intestines — being 

1 See chloride of sodium in chapter on "Chemical Constituents." 



SALINE WATERS. 161 

aperient or cathartic — augment the flow of urine, increase the 
secretion of the mucous membranes, and promote epithelial 
desquamation. They also stimulate the glandular and lym- 
phatic systems, and increase the flow of bile. Under their 
use the appetite and power of digestion are increased. 

As a class, these waters are valuable in the treatment of 
scrofula, in which disease they should be used both internally 
and in the form of baths. * They are also useful in gout and 
chronic rheumatism, in which diseases, however, thermal sa- 
lines, or hot baths, are essential. Where icterus is due to ca- 
tarrh of the biliary ducts, they often relieve the difficulty, and 
gall-stones are also favorably influenced by saline waters, espe- 
cially if they be of the alkaline-saline class. Engorged con- 
ditions of the liver are especially amenable to their use. In 
dyspepsia, the mild alkaline-saline waters, containing consider- 
able carbonic-acid gas, as those of Saratoga, are often of ex- 
ceeding benefit. Strong salines should be carefully employed, 
as their protracted use sometimes proves debilitating. 

Brines are chiefly used for bathing. When judiciously 
employed they prove valuable in scrofulosis, paralysis, and in 
chronic rheumatism. In these waters the iodides and bro- 
mides are sometimes found in comparatively large proportion, 
and it is quite probable that they contribute to their efficacy 
in no small degree. 

Brine-baths act as a powerful stimulus to the cutaneous 
nerves, increasing the peripheral circulation, and, perhaps, by 
reflex action, influence remote organs, and even the nerve- 
centres. Elimination by the skin and kidneys is increased. 
Brine vapor-baths stimulate the mucous membrane of the 
respiratory organs and promote expectoration. 

ST. CATHARINE'S WELLS. 

Location and Post-Office Address.— St. Catharine's, Ontario, Canada. 

Access. — St. Catharine's is a station on the Great Western Railroad of 
Canada, thirteen miles west of Niagara Falls, and two hundred and eighteen 
miles east of Detroit. 

Hotels. — Stephenson House, Welland House, Spring Bank. 



162 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains- 



Solids. 

Carbonate of iron 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of potassium 

Chloride of sodium , 

Chloride of magnesium 

Chloride of calcium 

Chloride of ammonium and silicic acid. 

Sulphate of lime 

Iodide of sodium 

Iodide of magnesium 

Bromide of sodium 

Bromide of magnesium 



Total. 



368.964 



Stephenson-House 


Merritt's, or Welland- 


Well. 


House Well. 


Prof. Croft. 


Prof. Croft. 


Grains. 


Grains. 




.380 




.060 


2.587 


2.060 


217.234 


275.868 


24.760 ■ 


l 29.644 


108.271 


127.202 


0.056 




15.981 


14.429 




0.010 


0.030 






trace. 


0.045 





449.653 



Temperature 60° Fahr. 



A concentrated water ', similar to the mother-lye of Kreuz- 
nach, prepared by evaporation, gives the following result on 
analysis : 



One pint contains — 




Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia and lime 


. 


. 2.08 


Chloride of sodium 


. 


781.36 


Chloride of magnesium 


. 


. 1,289.76 


Chloride of calcium 


. 


2,950.40 


Proto-chloride of iron 


. 


13.76 


Sulphate of lime . 


• 


. 16.32 


Iodide of magnesium 


. 


2.11 


Bromide of magnesium . * 


• 


. 2.01 


Silica, alumina, and lithia 




2.47 


Total 


5,060.27 




-(J. 


E. Chilton, M. D., 1853.) 



The large amount of proto-chloride of iron was probably 
formed from the surface of the iron vessel during evaporation. 

Properties. — These celebrated waters are the most perfect 
type of iodo-bromated saline water known in this country. 
They very much resemble the celebrated waters of Krueznach, 
in Prussia, though containing the chloride of sodium, calcium, 
and magnesium, in much larger proportions. For this reason, 
when used internally, they are diluted with ordinary water — 
one-eighth to one-fourth of a glass of the well-water, and fill 
the glass with pure water. But they are especially employed 



SALINE WATERS. 163 

in the form of warm baths, which are provided at all the hotels. 
They have been found beneficial and curative in gout, rheu- 
matism, scrofula, and certain forms of neuralgia. 

The concentrated water is used as an embrocation or di- 
luted ; a bandage is wet with it and applied to swollen joints 
from rheumatism or sprain, after the first inflammatory symp- 
toms have subsided. It produces counter-irritation, which may 
be limited to simple redness, or carried to pustulation, accord- 
ing to the strength of the solution and the time it remains in 
contact with the surface. For baths, ten to twelve fluidounces, 
added to an ordinary bath-tub half full of hot water, affords a 
similar bath to that obtained at the springs. Internally, one 
or two teaspoonfuls to a glass of pure water. 

Memarlcs. — St. Catharine's is pleasantly situated within 
three miles of Lake Ontario, whither visitors frequently drive. 
The air is pure, and the heats of summer are seldom felt. The 
wells are on the north bank of the Welland Canal — all within 
the distance of a mile. They vary in depth, from one hun- 
dred and fifty to five hundred feet. One of them — that at the 
Stephenson House — has been in use since 1812. At Spring 
Bank, the sanitarium of Dr. Theophilus Mack, every form of 
bath may be had, including the famed Oriental Turkish bath. 

PLANTAGENET SPRINGS. 

Location. — Prescott County, Province of Ontario, Dominion of Canada. 
Access. — Plantagenet Springs are eighty-eight miles west of Montreal. 
Same route to Point Fortune as for Caledonia Springs, thence by stage. 

Hotels. 

Analysis. — None — a cold saline. 

Remarks.— The name of this spring, I am informed, has 
been changed to the " Caratraca." 

CALEDONIA SPRINGS. 

Location. — Prescott County, Province of Ontario, Dominion of Canada. 
Post-Office Address. 

Access.— Caledonia Springs are seventy-two miles west of Montreal. From 
Montreal take Grand Trunk Railroad to Lachine, thence by steamer to Caril- 
iOn ; cross the Ottawa River to Point Fortune, thence by stage to the springs. 

Hotels. 



164 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 





ANALYSIS. 






One pint contains — 


Gas Spring. 
44j° Fahr. 
T. S. Hunt. 


Saline Spring. 

45° Fahr. 
T. S. Hunt. 


Intermittent Spring. 

50° Fahr. 

T. S. Hunt. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

.354 

3.834 

1.078 

'.225 
50.772 

'.038 
.003 

'.109 

'.032 
.225 


Grains. 

1.284 

8.769 

trace. 

.856 

trace. 

.219 

' 46.934 

'.035 
.010 

'.123 

trace. 
.309 


Grains. 




6.294 








.921 








.222 




89 265 




7.533 




2.091 












.015 






Bromide of magnesium *. 


.173 




.164 






Total 


56.670 ' 

5 cubic in. 
4 gallons. 


53.539 

4 cubic in. 
10 gallons. 


106.678 


Gas^ 




Flow per minute 





—(1847.) 

Properties, — These are valuable iodobromated saline wa- 
ters, very much resembling those of Diirkheim, in Bavaria. 
They are useful in scrofula, gout, chronic rheumatism, etc. 

The Gas Spring evolves, besides carbonic acid, considerable 
quantities of carburetted hydrogen, estimated at three hun- 
dred cubic inches per minute. It is pleasantly saline to the 
taste. The Saline Spring, so called, is similar to the Gas 
Spring, but really less saline. It evolves very little carbu- 
retted hydrogen. The Intermittent Spring is two miles dis- 
tant from the springs named. It is disagreeably bitter as well 
as saline. The reaction of these waters to test-paper is alka- 
line. 1 

LANSING WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan. 

Access. — Lansing is eighty-five miles west of Detroit, on the Detroit, Lans- 
ing & Lake Michigan Railroad. The well is one mile from the city, accessible 
by steamboat. 

Hotels. — Lansing, Chapman, Everett, Edgar. 



1 " Geology of Canada." 





SALINE WATERS. 






ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains (53^-° Fahr. Dr. Jennings) 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


. 


8.094 


Carbonate of magnesia . . • . 


1.421 


Carbonate of iron 


. 


0.143 


Carbonate of lime 


. 


7.782 


Chloride of sodium 


.... 


33.349 


Sulphate of potassa 


. 


1.554 


Sulphate of soda . 


. 


3.131 


Silica . 


. 


0.413 


Total 


55.887 


Gas. 


Cubic inches. 


Carbonic acid 


. 


241 



165 



Properties. — This is a strong saline water, containing a 
sufficient quantity of alkaline carbonates to ally it to the alka- 
line waters ; therefore it should be classed as an alkaline-sa- 
line water. In chemical composition it considerably resem- 
bles the celebrated Saratoga waters, though the presence of 
sulphates of potassa and soda in this water causes it to be 
more decidedly purgative in action. Taken in considerable 
quantity, they produce catharsis, but in moderate doses they 
act freely on the kidneys. The iron contained in this water 
is sufficient to modify the otherwise depleting effect they 
would produce if long continued. 

These waters are applicable to cases of dyspepsia, accom- 
panied with abdominal plethora, a class of cases usually pro- 
duced by high living. We should also expect good results 
from their use in catarrh of the biliary ducts, gall-stones, and 
engorged liver. 

Remarks. — Lansing, the capital of Michigan, located on 
Grand River, is necessarily the seat of many public institu- 
tions, and resorted to by the better classes from every part of 
the State. The population is about fifty-five hundred. 

Adjoining the well, which is a mile up the river, is a good 
bath-house. The depth of the well is fourteen hundred feet, 
and the flow is nearly a gallon per minute. 



166 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



SPRING LAKE WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Spring Lake, Ottawa County, Michigan. 

Access. — Spring Lake is a station on the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, 
one hundred and eighty-six miles northwest from Detroit, three miles east of 
Grand Haven. From Chicago to Grand Haven, by lake-steamer. 

Hotels. — Magnetic Spring, Middlemist, Burnum's. 



ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains (52° 


Fahr. Prof. C. G. Wheeler) : 


Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 




. 0.005 


Carbonate of magnesia 




trace 


Carbonate of iron 


o 


. 0.092 


Carbonate of manganese . 




0.006 


Carbonate of lime 


. 


. 0.012 


Chloride of potassium 




0.536 


Chloride of sodium. 


. 


. 50.691 


Chloride of magnesium 




4.525 


Chloride of calcium . 


. , 


. 14.177 


Sulphate of soda . 




5.837 


Bromide of magnesium 


. 


. 0.271 


Alumina 




* traces. 


Ammonia . ■ 
Lithia 


• 


. 0.002 
traces. 


Silica . 


• • 


. 0.063 


Organic matter 




2.286 


Total . 


. 78,503 



Properties. — This water, strong in chloride of sodium, also 
contains an active proportion of the bromide of magnesium. 
In chemical composition this water much resembles the Edis- 
enquelle of Kreuznach. These springs, however, contain a 
proportion of iodide of magnesium. 

MemarJcs. — The town of Spring Lake is located on the 
shores of a beautiful sheet of water of the same name, five 
miles long and one mile wide. The resort owes its rise to the 
citizens of Chicago, who frequent it in considerable numbers. 
A good bath-house adjoins the hotel. 



SALINE WATERS. 



167 



ST. LOUIS ARTESIAN WELL. 



Location. — St. Louis, Missouri. 





ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains (ISA Fahr. Dr. Litton) : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


0.127 


Carbonate of protoxide 


of iron. . . . 


0.066 


Carbonate of lime . 




1.329 


Chloride of potassium . 


. 


1.126 


Chloride of sodium. 


• 


43.826 


Chloride of magnesium. 


• . • • 


4.792 


Chloride of calcium. 


. 


3.448 


Sulphate of lime . 


. 


5.709 


Silica. 


• • • • 


0.017 


Total . 


60.440 


Gases. 


Cubic inches. 


Carbonic acid 


•"•*..'. 


0.82 


Sulphuretted hydrogen. 


.... 


0.03 



Properties. — It will be seen by the analysis that this is 
a good saline water. It contains a small proportion of sul- 
phuretted hydrogen, but not sufficient of the gas to entitle it 
to the designation of a sulphur-water. The temperature is 
above the mean annual temperature, of St. Louis, and it is, 
therefore, technically speaking, a thermal water. 

Hemarks. — This well is located at Belcher's sugar-refinery. 
It was bored in order to obtain water for manufacturing pur- 
poses, but the saline quality of the water rendered it useless. 
The total depth of the well is 2,199 feet ; however, most of 
the water is said to flow from a depth of 1,515 feet. The 
analysis was made some fifteen years ago, since which time 
the flow of the water has considerably diminished. 



PRTJIT PORT WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Fruit Port, Ottawa County, Michigan. 

Access. — From Chicago, via Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, to 
Fruit Port, a station one hundred and sixteen miles north ; or from Chicago, 
by lake-steamer, to Grand Haven ; thence nine miles, by railroad, to Nuncia ; 
thence six miles, by railroad, to Fruit Port. 

Hotel. — Pomona House. 



168 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



One pint contains (48° Fahr. 


C. G. Wheeler) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


. 0.565 


Carbonate of magnesia 


0.308 


Carbonate of iron 


. 0.680 


Carbonate of manganese . 


0.010 


Carbonate of lime 


. 0.443 


Chloride of potassium 


0.054 


Chloride of sodium 


. 58.003 


Chloride of magnesium . 


5.851 


Chloride of lime 


. 13.888 


Sulphate of soda . 


5.149 


Bromide of magnesium . 


. 0.095 


Silica and silicates . 


1.325 


Alumina 


traces. 


Total 


86.971 



Properties. — This water, like that of the Spring Lake well, 
much resembles the celebrated waters of Kreuznach, in Prussia. 

Remarks. — The village of Fruit Port is on the shores of 
Spring Lake. The town and surrounding country, to the ex 
tent of thirteen thousand acres, is owned by a Chicago com- 
pany, engaged in the development of this fruit district. The 
well is a result of the mania for seeking " magnetic" wells, 
which has prevailed in this State since the discovery of the St. 
Louis well, in 1869. The resort is well patronized by citizens 
of Chicago. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-office. — Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, New York. 

Access. — Saratoga is a station on the Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad, 
thirty-seven miles north of Albany. Tourists from the North may pass over 
Lake Champlain, and at Whitehall take the cars south to Saratoga, forty- 
one miles. 

Hotels. — Congress Hall, Grand Union, Clarendon, Everett, Waverley, Albe- 
marle, Continental, American. 

Boarding-Honses. — Vermont, Pitney, Washington Hall. 

Properties. — It will readily be seen from the table of anal- 
yses that the principal constituents of these waters are chlo- 
ride of sodium, the alkaline carbonates, and carbonic-acid gas, 



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SALINE WATERS. 



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170 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

hence they may be termed alJcaline-saline waters, of which 
the famed Seltzer Spring of Nassau is a typical example. In 
point of merit the Saratoga waters equal, if they do not sur- 
pass, any of the kind in the world. The large amount of car- 
bonic acid which they contain, and the favorable combination 
of ingredients, render them very easy of digestion, and, to 
most persons, exceedingly pleasant to the taste. Many won- 
der why it is that during the hot months of the year such 
numbers crowd to Saratoga, thinking it only a whim of fash- 
ion ; but, aside from social attractions or amusements, there is 
a positive value in the water, and pleasure in drinking it, 
which will always attract multitudes to its fountains. 

These waters are especially adapted to cases of dyspepsia ; 
those depending on high living, and an engorged condition of 
the abdominal viscera, are peculiarly subject to their beneficial 
influence. In jaundice, depending on catarrh of the biliary 
ducts, they are curative, and they would undoubtedly prove 
beneficial in cases of gall-stones with a tendency to their 
continual formation and passage. In engorgement of the 
liver, and all conditions of abdominal plethora, they are a 
valuable remedy. In catarrh of the bladder, they may also 
prove useful, but the decidedly alkaline or calcic waters are 
preferable. 

High Rock. — On Willow Walk, near the Seltzer and Star 
Springs. This spring was known to the Mohawk Indians, as 
early as the fourteenth century, by the name of " The Medicine 
Spring of the Great Spirit." It was, however, unknown to white 
men till many years after the first settlement of the country, Sir 
William Johnson being the first white visitor. For many years 
after its discovery, the sick or curious might be seen following 
the trails from the settlements into the depths of the wilder 
ness, there amid the solitude to drink silently of the mysterious 
water. Ii^ 1773, Dirick Scowton cleared a small portion ot 
land on the summit of the hill, in the rear of High Rock 
Spring, and built a log-cabin, but misunderstandings with the 
Indians rendered it necessary to abandon the enterprise. In 
1774, John Arnold, of Rhode Island, took possession of the 



SALINE WATERS. 171 

house built by Scowton, and, having improved it, opened it as 
a tavern, and entertained visitors during two succeeding sum- 
mers. This was undoubtedly the first pleasure-resort in the 
Northern States, that of Berkeley Springs, in Virginia, being 
the first in the Southern. Arnold was followed the next year 
by Samuel Norton, under the patronage of Isaac Law, who 
had purchased the land from Rip Van Dam. In this purchase 
Law was associated with Anthony Van Dam and Jacob Wal- 
ton. Troubles with Great Britain now occurring, Norton aban- 
doned the enterprise. In 1789, Gideon Putnam, of Sutton, 
came to the springs, leased three hundred acres of land, and 
was thereafter the pervading spirit of improvement. In 1802, 
he built seventy feet of the present Union Hall. The name 
High Rock is given from the concretions that have accumu- 
lated at the orifice of this spring for centuries, and formed a 
cone-like rock three feet in height, from the centre of which 
the water issues. The rock is composed of carbonate of lime, 
magnesia, and oxide of iron, precipitated from the water. 
Similar concretions form at many of the springs, but, owing to 
the direction of the flow of the water and other causes, do not 
assume the same form. 

A few years ago, the proprietors, desirous of closing the 
lateral outlet of this spring, so that the water would again flow 
over the top of the rock, which it had ceased to do, had the 
rock undermined, and by means of a derrick lifted to one side. 
Just below the rock, four logs were found placed at right an- 
gles to each other, so as to form a curb. Under the logs 
were boughs of trees, resting on the black soil of a previous 
swamp. Undoubtedly, some ancient visitors of the spring had 
thrown brushwood over the swamp-ground at the orifice, and 
placed the logs around it. Below the rocks, the workmen fol- 
lowed the spring through four feet of tufa and muck ; next, a 
layer of solid tufa, two feet thick, then one foot of muck, in 
which another log was found. Below this, three feet of tufa 
again ; and there, seventeen feet below the apex of the rock, 
they found the embers of an ancient fire. By whom, and 
when, was the fire built? 



172 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Dimensions of High Rock. 

Circumference at the surface of the ground 
Heights of rock above-ground 
Diameter of aperture, four inches below the top 
From the top of the rock to the water within . 
Depth of spring from the top of the rock 
Depth of water in the rock above the ground 



Feet. 


Inches 


24 


4 


3 


6 





12 


2 


2 


10 





1 


4 



The accompanying section of High Rock conveys an idea 
of the formation : 





GEOLOGICAL SECTION AT SARATOGA SPEtNGS. 



Congress Spring, in Congress Park, on Congress Street. 
In the year 1792, twenty-five years after Johnson's first* 



Si LINE WATERS. 1.73 

visit to High Rock, a party of hunters on the return home- 
ward discovered a trail which led them to a new spring. One 
of this hunting-party was John Taylor Gilman, a member of 
Congress at the time. On a subsequent visit, in honor of Gil- 
man, they named it Congress Spring. The water proved ex- 
ceedingly agreeable, and soon became the favorite spring, 
retaining its popularity to this day. In 1826, John Clarke, a 
native of Yorkshire, England, purchased the farm on which 
the spring was situated. Soon after the purchase he com- 
menced bottling the. water for exportation, and from that 
period is dated the large trade in bottled Saratoga-waters. 

Columbian Spring, in Congress Park, a few rods south- 
west of Congress Spring. 

This spring contains a larger proportion of iron than the 
other springs, rendering it a fine tonic in anaemic cases, but to 
be used with reserve by those who are plethoric or robust. 

Hamilton Spring, on Spring Street, corner of Putnam, in 
the rear of Congress Hall. 

This spring was first discovered by Gideon Putnam. It 
contains a large proportion of iron, "and may be used in the 
cases to which the Columbian is adapted. 

Pavilion Spring, in the valley, a short distance east of 
Broadway, between Lake Avenue and Caroline Street. 

Star Spring, on Willow Walk, near the termination of Cir- 
cular Street. 

Empire Spring, in the north part of the village, a short 
distance above the Star Spring. 

Washington, or White Spring, in the grounds of the Clar- 
endon Hotel, South Broadway. 

Putnam Spring, on Phila Street, near Broadway. A 
new shaft had been sunk here just previous to my visit, 
from which a water, highly charged with carbonic-acid gas, 
flowed quite rapidly. 

Saratoga Seltzer, a short distance from High Rock Spring. 
The proprietors have attached a glass tube, some three feet 
long and one foot in diameter, to the orifice of this spring, 
through which the clear, sparkling water, filled with glittering 



174 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

bubbles of carbonic-acid gas, passes up rapidly. According 
to the analysis, this spring resembles the celebrated Seltzer, 
in Germany. 

Saratoga A Spring, a few rods from the Red Spring. 

Red Spring, on Spring Avenue, at the intersection of Ge- 
neva and Warren Streets, so named from the red deposit. 
This spring, though almost a century old, has never been prop- 
erly developed until recently. Being less saline than any other 
spring at Saratoga, it will answer in some cases of dyspepsia, 
in which the other waters prove irritant. It is claimed that it 
is especially beneficial in cases of humid eczema, and other 
diseases of the skin, taken internally and applied as a lotion. 

Excelsior Spring, about one mile east of Broadway. One 
of the most delightful walks at Saratoga is along Spring 
Avenue, or Lake Avenue, through the woods, to this spring. 
This is one of the Ten Springs, the remainder, in the immedi- 
ate vicinity, being yet undeveloped. 

Eureka Spring, on Lake Avenue, one mile east of Broad- 
way. The scenery in the vicinity of this spring is exceed- 
ingly attractive. 

Hathorn Spring, on Spring Street, in the rear of Congress 
Hall. This spring was discovered in 1868, when clearing 
away the debris of the ruins of Congress Hall, preparatory to 
rebuilding. In taste and general character it resembles the 
Congress water. 

United States Spring, adjoining the Pavilion. 

Crystal Spring, in Park place, Broadway, opposite Con- 
gress Park. 

Indian Encampment. — A new spring was bored here in 
1871. 

Ellis Spring, on the Ballston road, near the Geyser. 

White Sulphur Spring, immediately adjoining the Eureka 
Spring. The proprietors have erected a commodious bathing- 
house of fifty baths, with ample accommodations. Omnibuses 
run from the village to these springs. 

Lake Sulphur Spring, on the east side of Saratoga Lake, 
about half a mile south of Snake Hill. 



SALINE WATERS. 1^5 

Geyser Spring, about two miles south of the village, on 
the Ballston road, and a short distance from the railroad. 

This spring is one of the curiosities of Saratoga. It was 
discovered in February, 1870. During a dull season the own- 
ers of a bolt-factory, in which it is located, concluded to bore 
for mineral water. They chose the cellar of the factory in 
which to operate. Having sunk a tube to the depth of 154 
feet, the water burst forth in such volume as to entirely inun- 
date the premises. On attaching a tube of smaller calibre, the 
water was projected to the height of twenty-two feet, and con- 
tinues spouting forth in a steady stream. It is highly charged 
with carbonic-acid gas, so much so that, when drawn from a 
faucet into a glass, it foams up like soda-water. It is also 
exceedingly rich in saline constituents. 

The dose of Saratoga water is as follows : For a cathartic 
effect, drink two or three glasses leisurely, before breakfast, 
then walk for ten or fifteen minutes, and take another glass or 
two ; breakfast half an hour afterward. 

As an alterative, take a glass three or four times a day. 
An exception to this rule must be made in regard to the Co- 
lumbian, Pavilion, Hamilton, and some other springs, as they 
contain a considerable proportion of iron, and should be used 
more guardedly. The use of these waters, however, as an 
alterative and tonic, would be in the quantity of one-fourth to 
a whole glass three times a day. 

Remarks. — Saratoga Springs occur in a valley which runs 
north and south, for many miles, through a series of elevated 
table-lands. Mountain-ranges are seen in the distance, and 
lakes and rivulets are in the immediate vicinity of the springs. 
The village, with its magnificent hotels and elegant private 
residences., its densely-shaded streets and attractive walks, 
renders desirable what might otherwise be a very hot place in 
sultry July. The grounds of the different fountains are pict- 
uresquely adorned and shaded, and each hotel has its embow- 
ered court, where delicious music is frequently discoursed 
throughout the day. Congress Park, at the southern extrem- 
ity of Broadway, is a favorite resort, where, during the morn- 



176 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ing hours, visitors congregate at the spring, drink of the wa- 
ters, and stroll along the beautiful walks, beneath the shade 
of ancient forest-trees. 

It is needless to say that here amusements of society, in 
every form, prevail ; for the word Saratoga, whenever spoken, 
calls up visions of the dance, of walks and drives, of boating 
and fishing, and, unfortunately too often, of those dissipations 
which seem inseparable from civilization. 

The principal drive is that to Moon's Lake House, four miles 
distant, on the shore of Saratoga Lake. From this point there 
is a pleasing view of this beautiful sheet of water. The lake 
is nine miles long and between four and five miles wide, oppo- 
site Snake Hill. A drive along the lake-shore is exceedingly 
attractive. An excursion steam-yacht, from the Lake House, 
makes frequent trips to interesting points. The avenue known 
as the "Mountain Drive," extending northward from Broadway, 
leads to Mitchell's Glen House, a famous resort. A drive of 
sixteen miles on the Mount Pleasant road brings one to Pros- 
pect or Waring Sill, said to be 2,000 feet above the sea, and 
commanding an extended view. At Chapman's Sill, a mile 
beyond the Lake House, there is a fine view. The hill is 180 
feet above the lake. Wagman's Hill, three miles farther, is 
sixty feet higher. Sagerty Hill, six miles northward from the 
springs, on the road to Luzerne, gives a fine landscape view. 
Semis's Seights, 'the scene of the famous engagement between 
Burgoyne and General Gates, is in the town of Stillwater, 
fifteen miles from the springs. 

EXCELSIOR SPRING. 

Location. — Syracuse, New York. 

Analysis. — This is a pleasant saline water. 

BALLSTON SPA. 

Location and Post-Office. — Ballston, Saratoga County, New York. 
Access. — From Albany, via Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad, twenty-six 
miles north, to the springs. From the north and Lake Champlain, cars may 



SALINE WATERS. 



Ill 



be taken at Lake Charnplain Junction, via Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad 

thence forty-fiye miles south. 

Hotel. — Sans-souci. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


United States. 

50" Fahr. 
Geology N. Y. 


Ballston Artesian 

Lithian WelL 

52° Fahr. 

C. F. Chandler. 


Franklin 
Artesian Well. 

52° Fahr. 
C. F. Chandler. 


Con do 
Dentoneaa "WelL 

49° Fahr. 
C. F. Chandler. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

2.11 

0.72 

trace. 
3.65 

53!i2 
6 ".22 

i'.oo 


Grains. 
1.034 

13.373 
0.143 

20.675 
0.701 
0.0S3 
0.397 
4.159 

93.753 
0.065 

61666 
0.015 
0.455 
trace, 
trace. 
0.009 
0.095 
trace. 


Grains. 

8.200 
13.175 

0.146 
17.565 

0.613 
trace. 

0.125 

4.241 
82.413 

0.095 

6! 66i 

0.029 
0.5^3 
trace, 
trace. 
0.032 
0.092 
trace. 


Grains. 
2.982 


Carbonate of magnesia 


11.729 
0.208 




15.494 




0.950 


Carbonate of strontia 

Carbonate of baryta 

Chloride of potassium 


0.018 
0.4S4 
1.154 

80.6S5 


Sulphate of potassa 


trace. 




trace. 




0.023 


Bromide of sodium 

Fluoride of calcium 


0.296 
trace. 




0.049 


Silica 


0.123 










Total 


60.82 

Cubic in. 
30.50 


134.968 

Cubic in. 
53.26 


127.315 

Cubic in. 

57.51 


114.205 


Gas. 
Carbonic acid 


Cubic in. 
44.79 







Properties. — These waters present the same properties as 
those of Saratoga. It will be noticed, however, that they are 
richer in mineral constituents, that of the Lithia well having 
the exceedingly large quantity of one hundred and thirty-four 
grains of solid matter to the pint. 

Remarks. — The fame of Ballston Springs is almost coeval 
with that of Saratoga. The village spring, the analysis of 
which is not given, resembles closely the Red Spring of Sara- 
toga. Low's Wei] is said to be similar to the United States 
Spring in composition. 

During the coal-oil excitement, which swept over the coun- 
try some years ago, a capitalist of New York conceived the 
idea of boring for oil at Ballston. He selected a site on the 
banks of the Kayaderosseras Creek, and commenced operations. 
After much labor, and when the well had attained a depth of five 
hundred and seventy-one feet, water flowed from the tubing in 
large quantity ; but oil was the object, and the boring went on. 



178 MINEEAL SPKINGS. 

However, at the depth of six hundred and seventy-one feet, the 
steel rammer became immovably fixed in the rock, and the un- 
dertaking was abandoned. Then attention was turned to the 
water that flowed from the tube, and it was discovered to be the 
most highly impregnated with mineral ingredients of any in the 
county. The town of Ballston is an exceedingly pleasant one, 
where those who wish to avoid the excitement of Saratoga 
can live quietly, and drink equal, if not superior, water. 



WILHOIT'S SODA-SPRINGS. 



Location. — Clackamas County, Oregon. 




Post-Office. — Salem, Marion County, Oregon. 




Access. — From Salem go thirty miles northeast by road. 




Hotel. — Wilhoit's Springs. 




ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains (J. H. Veach, M. D.) : 




Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda .... 


. 10.946 


Carbonate of magnesia .... 


10.665 


Carbonate protoxide of iron . 


. 0.750 


Carbonate of lime ..... 


4.028 


Chloride of sodium .... 


. 25.125 


Sulphate of soda . . . . 


0.425 


Sulphate of magnesia 


. 0.810 


Iodine ...... 


trace. 


Total ..... 


. 52.749 


Gas. 


Cubic inches. 


Carbonic acid ..... 


42 



Properties. — According to the above analysis, these waters 
are of great value. They are of the alkaline-saline class, and 
closely resemble some of the finest waters of Europe, such as 
the Seltzer. " The water is strongly impregnated with car- 
bonic-acid gas, constantly escaping from the surface, and giving 
a sparkling effervescence to the liquid. Very pleasant to the 
taste, it exhilarates fully as much as wine, on the first day, and 
on the second operates as a laxative and diuretic." 1 It will 
be observed that the water contains considerable iron, and 
should, therefore, be used somewhat guardedly. 

1 Prof. H. Carpenter, M. D.,in the Oregon Medical and Surgical Reporter. 



SALINE WATERS. 179 

Remarks. — The springs are enclosed by groves of fir, pine, 
and oak, and all the surroundings contribute to enhance the 
beauty of the place. 

ALBANY ARTESIAN WELL. 

Location, — Ferry Street, Albany, New York. 
ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (51° to 52° Fahr. 
Solids. 
Carbonate of soda 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of iron (with a little silica) . 
Carbonate of lime . 
Chloride of sodium 

Total .... 
Gas. 
Carbonic acid 

The well is five hundred feet deep. — {« Geology of New York.") 

CHARLESTON ARTESIAN WELL. 

Location and Post-Office.— Charleston, South Carolina. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (87° Fahr. Prof. C. U. Shephard, Jr.): 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of soda ..... 7.353 

Carbouate of magnesia .... 0.001 

Carbonate of lime ..... 0.140 

Chloride of sodium .... 9.459 

Phosphates of lime, iron, and alumina . . 0.001 

Silica ...... 0.002 

Organic matter . . . . . 0.003 



•r. Meade) 


: 




Grains. 




5.00 


. 


2.00 


, 


1.00 


. 


4.00 


• 


63.00 


. 


75.00 


Cubic inches. 


. 


28.00 



Total ..... 16.959 

Gas. Cubic inches. 

Carbonic-acid ga3 . . . 0.28 

Properties. — It will be seen from the analysis that this is 
an alkaline-saline water, chloride of sodium slightly predom- 
inating. The water is a thermal^ but it seems better to class 
it here, as it is principally used internally. It is a good water 
of the class. The flow is estimated at twenty gallons per 
minute. The well is twelve hundred and fifty feet deep. 
9 



CHAPTER XII. 

SULPHUR-WATERS. 

The prominent characteristic of these waters is the pres- 
ence of sulphuretted hydrogen, hence the peculiar odor. Ex- 
cepting the uniform presence of this gas, sulphur-waters vary 
exceedingly in composition. Some contain a large proportion 
of calcic carbonates, and hence may be termed calcic-sulphur 
waters; others, containing chloride of sodium in excess of 
other constituents, may be termed saline-sulphur waters ; and, 
according to the proportion of these salts, will their action be 
modified. Those containing a considerable quantity of carbonate 
of lime and sulphate of lime will usually prove constipating, 
while those characterized by the presence of much chloride of 
sodium, or sulphate of soda or magnesia, will be cathartic. Still 
another element enters into the action of these waters, in many 
instances: organic matters, known by the names of baregine 
and glairine, undoubtedly differing in composition in different 
springs, and producing varied results. However, as a rule, the 
action of these substances seems to be sedative ; as an illus- 
tration, see the Red Sulphur Springs of Virginia. Some sul- 
phur-waters are exciting, others depressing, depending on the 
quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen, the salts, and temperature. 
Many of these waters are thermal. They all act as diapho- 
retics and alteratives. As a rule, they are decidedly diapho- 
retic, a result due to the sulphuretted hydrogen contained. 
Persons who take considerable quantities of sulphur-water are 
sometimes surprised to find articles of silver carried in the 
pockets decidedly blackened. This is due to the elimination 
of sulphuretted hydrogen in the perspiration, sulphuret of silver 
being formed. 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 181 

Many sulphur-waters undergo chemical alteration after con- 
tact with the atmosphere. The principal agent in this change, 
according to Anglada, is oxygen. Under its influence the sul- 
phurets are decomposed, sulphur is precipitated, and sulphites 
are formed. At the same time, the carbonic acid of the at- 
mosphere unites with a portion of alkaline bases, forming car- 
bonates. 

The color of the white sulphur-waters is due to the pre- 
cipitation of sulphur; the yellow, to the formation of poly- 
sulphurets ; the blue is supposed to be due to slate held in 
suspension in the form of impalpable powder ; and the red, to 
the development of algae of this color, or precipitation of oxide 
of iron. 

Sulphur- waters are especially applicable to the treatment 
of diseases of the skin, and, of these diseases, especially those 
falling under the class dartrons. (See "Diseases of the 
Sexn".") They are also decidedly efficacious in cases of chronic 
pharyngitis and laryngitis. 

The warm sulphur-waters are valuable in the treatment of 
gout and chronic rheumatism, more because of their elevated 
temperature than the saline constituents, unless they be of the 
alkaline-sulphur class, though their decidedly diaphoretic ac- 
tion may aid the elimination of uric acid. The warm waters also 
prove exceedingly serviceable in cases where exudations are 
to be absorbed, such as stiff joints and old gunshot-wounds. 
The natural warm or hot sulphur-waters are preferable ; but 
properly-heated cold sulphur-waters will answer. 

In chronic poisoni?ig by metals sulphur-waters often prove 
exceedingly beneficial, by favoring elimination of the poison. 
In cases of engorgement of the liver, abdominal plethora, and 
hemorrhoids, the saline-sulphwr waters have long been justly 
esteemed as trustworthy remedies. In secondary and tertiary 
syphilis, sulphur-waters prove valuable as a means of diagno- 
sis ; and, in conjunction with other remedies, they aid in elimi- 
nating the venereal poison. Persons in whom syphilis is latent 
are often surprised to see external manifestations caused by 
the use of these waters. 



182 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



It will be noticed that there is much variation in the quan- 
tity of sulphuretted hydrogen in the different springs. It is 
found desirable in some cases to let the water stand for some 
hours before drinking, in order that the superabundant gas 
may escape, and thus avoid the undue excitement of the sys- 
tem caused by ingestion of large quantities. 



BLOTJNT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Blount Springs, Blount County, Alabama. 

Access. — Go to Elyton, a station on the Alabama & Chattanooga Rail- 
road, 144 miles southwest from Chattanooga ; also, on the line of railroad 
(not finished) from Montgomery to Decatur, about eighty-five miles northwest 
from Montgomery ; thence, about thirty miles northwest to the springs. 

Hotel. — Blount Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


Red Sulphur. 
Prof. R. Brumby. 


Sweet Sulphur. 
Prof. R. Brumby. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

0.55 
0.24 
0.85 
4.04 
0.75 
0.20 


Grains. 
0.45 




, 0.14 




0.56 




3.86 








0.30 






Total 


6.63 

Cubic in. 
0.75 

1.8T 


5.31 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 
0.75 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


1.57 







Properties. — A saline-sulphur water. 

JRemarJcs. — These springs are situated in a triangular val- 
ley, at an elevation of 1,580 feet above the sea. They are six 
in number. The present hotel was built in 1825 ; but many 
improvements are now in contemplation, among them the 
building of a new hotel. 



SANDWICH SPRINGS, 

Location and Post-Office. — Sandwich, Ontario, Canada. - 
Access. — From Detroit, cross the St. Clair River, by ferry, two miles to 
Sandwich. 

Hotel. — Sandwich Springs. 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 



183 



One pint contains 
Solids. 
Carbonate of potassa 
Carbonate of soda 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of lime 
Chloride of sodium 
Chloride of magnesium 
Chloride of calcium 
Sulphate of lime 
Silica 



ANALYSIS. 
(52°Fahr. Prof. S. 



Total ...... 47.291 

Gases. Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid . . . . . 1.25 

Sulphuretted hydrogen .... 4.72 

Nitrogen ...... 0.09 

Properties. — This spring, it will be observed, 
guished by the large amounts of chloride of magnesium and 
sulphate of lime which it contains ; also, the enormous volume 
of sulphuretted-hydrogen gas. 



Duffield) : 

Grains. 

trace. 
. 6.070 

1.618 
. 4.813 

0.070 
. 19.220 

0.007 
. 15.479 

0.014 



distin- 



CALEDONIA SPRINGS. 

Location. — See these springs, described under "Saline "Waters," p. 163. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (46° Fahr. T. Sterry Hunt) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of soda .... 3.321 

Carbonate of magnesia .... 2.142 

Carbonate of iron .... trace. 

Carbonate of lime ..... 1.530 

Chloride of potassium .... .167 

Chloride of sodium ..... 28.004 



Sulphate of soda . 
Bromide of sodium 
Alumina . . 

Silica . 

Total 
Gas. 
Carbonic acid . 
Flow per minute . 



.133 
.073 
.019 
.612 



36.001 
Cubic in. 
. 2 
4 gallons 



184 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Properties. — T. Sterry Hunt, Esq., says of this water : " It 
has a feebly sulphurous taste and odor, and darkens the salts 
of lead and silver ; but the quantity of sulphur existing, either 
as sulphuretted hydrogen or an alkaline sulphuret, is very in- 
considerable, and cannot be quantitatively estimated by the 
ordinary processes. It is, however, sufficient to impart medi- 
cinal powers to the water ; for the efficacy of this spring over 
all the others, in rheumatic and cutaneous affections, is well 
attested. According to Dr. Stirling, for many years a resident 
at the springs, the water was formerly more sulphurous than 
now." 

PIEDMONT SPRINGS. 

Location. — Alameda County, California. 
Post-Office. — Oakland, Alameda County, California. 
Access. — By omnibus, three miles distant from Oakland. 
Hotel. — Piedmont Springs. 

Analysis. — None t 

Remarks. — From these springs there is a most extended 
view, embracing the bay and city of San Francisco, the Golden 
Gate, the bay of San Pablo, Tamalpais, and the coast-hills of 
Marin County. The climate is mild, and free from fogs. The 
waters possess the usual taste of waters of this class, and are 
said to prove aperient. 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — White Sulphur Springs, Napa County, Cali- 
fornia. 

Access. — These springs are twelve miles distant, by rail, from Calistoga 
Springs, or an hour's drive by carriage. 

Hotel. — White Sulphur Springs. 

Analysis. — None. (See Appendix — St.Helena.) 

VALLEJO WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Yallejo Springs, Solano County, California. 
Access. — From San Francisco, thirty miles, by steamer, to Yallejo ; thence 
four miles, by stage. 
Hotel.— Springs. 

Analysis. — None. 



SULPHUR-WATEKS. 185 

GREEN-COVE SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office. — Green-Cove Spring, Clay County, Florida. 

Access. — From the north and west, by rail, via Charleston and Savannah, 
to Jacksonville ; thence, by daily steamer, thirty miles south, on St John's 
River, to the spring. Or, from New York, by steamer to Charleston or Savan- 
nah ; thence, by the connecting steamer, direct to the spring. 

Hotel. — Clarendon House. 

Analysis. — A partial analysis showed the water to contain 
sulphate of magnesia, sulphate of lime, chloride of sodium, iron, 
and considerable sulphuretted hydrogen. The water should 
be quantitatively analyzed. Temperature, 76° Fahr. The flow 
is exceedingly large. 

Properties. — A water such as this proves exceedingly agree- 
able as a bath, in a southern climate, and is adapted to a num- 
ber of diseases. 

Remarks, — These springs are on the St. John's River, at a 
point where it is five miles wide, and affords every facility for 
boating, sailing, and fishing. The large flow of water is 
caught in a pool twenty-five by a hundred feet, and four feet 
deep, forming a magnificent swimmiog-bath, with dressing- 
rooms attached. 

Florida will always be a popular resort for those who de- 
sire to escape the rigor of Northern winters ; and certainly it 
is pleasant to live in a climate where spring follows close upon 
fall, and tropical fruits are abundant. During the winter many 
consumptives rendezvous at this and other points along the St. 
John's River. 

RED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Red Sulphur Springs, Walker County, Georgia, 
Access. — From Chattanooga. 
Hotel. . 

An alys is. — Non e. 

Remarks. — Red Sulphur Springs, or " the Yale of Springs," 
are at the base of Taylor's Ridge. No less than twenty springs 
.are found here in the space of half a mile. Near by, is Look- 
out Mountain. 



186 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



CHARLOTSVILLE SPRINGS. 

Location. — Charlotsville, near Simcoe, Norfolk County, Province of On- 
tario, Dominion of Canada. 

Access. — A few miles from Port Dover, a landing on Lake Erie. 

Analysis. — This water is notable for the large amount of 
sulphuretted hydrogen contained — over three and a quarter 
cubic inches to the pint. The amount of mineral ingredients 
is small. 

FRENCH LICK SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Offiee Address. — French Lick Springs, Orange County, 
Indiana. 

Access. — Going east or west, take Ohio & Mississippi Railroad to Shoals, 
one hundred and forty-nine miles west of Cincinnati, one hundred and ninety- 
one miles east of St. Louis ; thence fifteen miles south, by stage, to springs. 
Prom the north or south, take New Albany & Chicago Railroad to Orleans, 
fifty-six miles north of Louisville, five miles south of Mitchell, a station on 
the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad ; thence eighteen miles, by stage, to springs. 

Hotels. — French Lick (West Baden, one mile distant). 1 ] 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contain 



Solids. 

Carbonate of soda 

Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of iron and alumina. 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of potassium 

Chloride of sodium 

Chloride of magnesium 

Chloride of calcium 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia 

Sulphate of lime 

Silica : 



Total. 



Carbonic acid 

Sulphuretted hydrogen. 



Total 



Pluto's Well. 
J. G. Rogers, M. D. 



0.198 
trace. 
0.868 

if. 567 

6'. 668 
2.796 
2.264 
7.573 



31.934 

Cubic in. 

1.87 
3.18 



5.05 



Proserpine. 
J. G. Rogers, M. D. 



Grains. 

1.316 
0.562 
0.312 
2.536 
0.626 
11.365 
1.006 

4 '.590 

3.666 

17.625 

0.212 



43.816 
Cubic in. 

1.277 
2.125 



3.402 



Chalybeate Springs not analyzed. 



(1870.) 



Properties. — These waters are useful in all those diseases 
to which sulphur- waters are applicable, and, on account of the 
salines contained, especially to those associated with engorge- 
ment of the liver and abdominal viscera. In these cases it will 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 



187 



be well to combine warm baths with the use of the water. 
Pluto's Well will be found best adapted to most diseases for 
which these waters are beneficial. 

Remarks. — French Lick Springs are situated in the heart 
of a fine, rolling, agricultural country. They issue at the base 
of a hill immediately on the margin of French Lick Creek. 
Near by, flows Lost River, abounding in the choicest fish. 
Those who are inclined to sport, will find game near at hand. 



WEST BADEN SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — West Baden Springs, Orange County, Indiana. 

Access. — Go to Shoals, a station on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, one 
hundred and fifty miles west of Cincinnati ; thence by stage. Or, go to Or- 
leans, a station on the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad, fifty-six 
miles north of New Albany ; thence by stage. 

Hotels. — West Baden (French Lick, one mile distant). 



ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (E. T. Cox) 



Solids. 
Carbonate of potassa 
Carbonate of soda . 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of lime . 
Chloride of sodium 
Chloride of magnesium 
Chloride of calcium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda 
Sulphate of magnesia 
Sulphate of lime 
Sulphate of alumina 
Oxide of iron . 
Iodides and bromides 
Silicic acid 

Total 



Carbonic acid . 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 
Oxygen 
Nitrogen. . 



Grains. 
0.078 
0.139 
4.895 
5.172 
9.748 
1.425 
0.910 
0.171 
0.388 
4.519 
1.398 
0.569 
0.011 

traces. 
0.055 

29.478 
Cubic In. 

0.64 

0.61 

0.21 

0.68 



188 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Properties. — It will be seen, from the analysis, that this is 
a saline-sulphur water, of much value in all those cases to 
which such waters are applicable. 

Remarks. — West Baden is in the midst of a fine agricul- 
tural section. In sight of the hotel flows Lost River and 
French Lick Creek, which abound in choice fish. 

INDIAN SPBINGS. 



Location and Post-Office. — Indian Springs, Martin County, Indiana. 

Access. — Go to Shoals, a station on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, one 

hundred and fifty miles west of Cincinnati ; thence nine miles, by stage. Or, 

go to Bedford, a station on the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad, 

seventy-one miles north of Louisville. 

Hotel. — Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (53° Fahr. (E. T. Cox) 
Solids. 
Carbonate of potassa . 
Carbonate of soda . 



Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of lime . 
Chloride of sodium 
Chloride of magnesium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda . 
Sulphate of magnesia . 
Sulphate of lime 
Sulphate of alumina . 
Oxide of iron . . 
Iodides and bromides ". 
Silicic acid 

Total . 
Gases. 
Carbonic acid 
Sulphuretted hydrogen 
Oxygen 
Nitrogen. 



Grains. 
0.315 
0.452 
2.368 
4.138 
4.921 
0.007 
0.300 
1.478 
3.799 
2.529 
0.104 
trace, 
trace. 
0.056 

20.467 
Cubic in. 
1.19 
0.42 
0.49 
0.81 



Remarks. — This is a good saline- sulphur water. The flow 
is large, estimated at four hundred gallons per minute, sufficient 
for all bathing purposes. 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 



189 



INDIAN SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office.— Indian Springs, Butts County, Georgia. 

Access. — Go to Forsyth, ou the Macon & Western Railroad, twenty-five 
miles north of Macon ; thence by stage. Or, to Griffin, on the Macon & West- 
ern Railroad, forty-four miles south of Atlanta ; thence by stage. 

Hotel. . 

Analysis. — None. 

LODI ARTESIAN WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Lodi, Wabash County, Indiana. 
Access. — Lodi is a station on the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad, 
fifty-eight miles west of Indianapolis. 
Hotels. — . 

ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (Dr. Pahle) : 



Solids. 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of lime 
Chloride of sodium 
Chloride of magnesium 
Chloride of calcium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda . 
Sulphate of magnesia . 
Sulphate of lime . 
Phosphate of lime 
Iodide of magnesium 
Bromide of magnesium 
Silicic acid 
Sulphur (mechanically suspended) 
Nitrogenous organic matter 

Total . 



Grains. 
0.082 
0.252 

62.808 
6.692 
5.991 
0.100 
0267 
0.407 
6.944 
0.150 
trace. 
0.110 
0.065 
0.625 
0.100 



. 84.593 
Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid .... undetermined. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen . . . .0.99 

Oxygen and nitrogen . . . undetermined. 

Properties. — The above analysis, taken from the " Geology 
of Indiana," for 1869, shows this to be a very valuable saline- 
sulphur water. On comparison with the celebrated Blue Lick 
waters of Kentucky, it will be seen to possess a close analogy. 
It will prove useful in all those diseases to which saline-sulphur 
waters are applicable. 



190 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

LAFAYETTE WELL. 

Location and Post-Office.— LaFayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (55° Fahr. C. M. Wetherell, M. D.) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia .... 3.590 

Carbonate of lime ..... 1.044 

Chloride of sodium ..... 40.590 

Chloride of magnesium .... 3.707 

Chloride of calcium .... 0.465 

Sulphate of lime ..... 7.042 

Iodide of magnesium ..... trace. 

Alumina and oxide of iron .... 0.062 

Silica ....... 0.058 



Total ..... 56.558 

Gases. Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid . . . . .1.52 

Sulphuretted hydrogen . . . . 0.24 

Nitrogen . . . . . . 0.61 

Properties. — An excellent saline-sulphur water, principally 
used for exportation. 

I$emar7cs.~- Flow, four gallons per minute. Depth of well, 
two hundred and thirty feet. 

TEINITY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Trinity Springs, Martin County, Indiana. 

Access. — Go to Shoals, a station on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, 
one hundred and fifty miles west of Cincinnati, one hundred and ninety miles 
east of St. Louis ; thence, eight miles by stage, to the springs. 

Hotel. — Trinity House. 

Analysis. — From the report of Dr. E. T. Cox, State Geol- 
ogist of Indiana, 1871, page 110, we extract the following: 
"The temperature of the water of the Trinity Springs was 
57° Fahr. ; and that of the air, 89° Fahr. Bubbles of gas es- 
cape through the water, and a whitish deposit is found on the 
inside of the curbing. The qualitative, chemical examination 
of this water gave the following result: Sulphuric acid, car- 
bonic acid, sulphydric acid, hydrochloric acid, soda, potash, 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 



191 



magnesia, lime. This is also a saline-sulphuretted water, and 
contains precisely the same constituents found in the Indian 
springs." 

UPPER BLUE LICK SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Upper Blue Lick Springs, Nicholas County, 
Kentucky. 

Access. — By steamboat to Maysville, Kentucky, on the Ohio River ; thence 
by Maysville & Lexington Railroad to within six miles of the springs. 

Hotel. — Boarding accommodations. 

ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (62 Fahr., June J. F. Judge and A. Fennel) : 



Solids. 
Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of lime .... 
Chloride of potassium 
Chloride of sodium . . 

Chloride of magnesium 

Sulphate of potassa .... 
Sulphate of lime .... 
Iodide of magnesium .... 
Bromide of magnesium 
Alumina : phosphate of lime and peroxide of iron 
Silicic acid .... 

Loss ...... 

Total 



Carbonic acid . 
Sulphuretted hydrogen 



Grains. 

0.018 

3.133 

0.225 
64.567 

4.716 

1.622 

5.517 

0.019 

0.476 

0.246 

0.125 

1.860 

82.524 

Cubic in. 

6.02 

1.02 
(1870.) 



Properties. — These are exceptionally fine waters of the 
saline-sulphur class. They are aperient and alterative in ac- 
tion, proving efficacious in engorgements of the liver and ab- 
dominal organs, gall-stones, gastric catarrh, granular phar- 
yngitis, and, combined with warm baths of the water, are 
valuable in chronic diseases of the skin. 

Remarks. — These springs are located on the margin of the 
Licking River. The water has been deservedly popular with 
the people of the West ever since the early settlement of the 
country, and bottled and barrelled water is sold largely in all 



192 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



of the leading cities of the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys. The 
flow of the waters is large. The locality is well adapted for 
a summer resort ; and it is to be hoped such arrangements 
will be made as will permit of employing the waters in every 
form of bath at the fountain-source. 



LOWER BLUE LICK SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Lower Blue Lick Springs, Nicholas County, 
Kentucky. 

Access. — From Maysville, Kentucky, a point on the Ohio River, sixty-five 
miles above Cincinnati, via Maysville & Lexington Railroad, and stage. 

Hotel. — Blue Lick House. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains 


(62° Fahr. Robert Peter, M. D.) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. . . . 0.01V 


Carbonate of lime 


. 2.95V 


Chloride of potassium 


\ 0.174 


Chloride of sodium 


. 64.10V 


Chloride of magnesium 


4.049 


Sulphate of potassa 


. 1.11V 


Sulphate of lime . 


4.249 


Iodide of magnesium . 


. 0.006 


Bromide of magnesium 


0.030 


Alumina : phosphate of lime and oxide of iron . 0.045 


Silicic acid 


0.138 


Loss 


. 2.216 


Total 


. . . . 79.105 


Gases. 


CuMc in. 


Carbonic acid . 


. 12.35 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


2.28 




—"Geology of Kentucky," vol. iii., pp. 361-368. 



Properties. — These are exceptionally fine waters of the 
saline-sulphur class, exceedingly valuable in engorgements of 
the liver and abdominal viscera, and all diseases arising there- 
from. They may also be relied on in gastric catarrh, and, in 
the form of warm baths, prove efficacious in diseases of the 
skin. 

Remarks. — This spring was well known to the early set- 
tlers of the West, and from its waters Boone and other pio- 



SULPHUR- WATERS. 193 

neers obtained salt for curing their venison. While engaged 
in its manufacture they were surprised by the Indians, and 
one of the deadliest battles in the annals of border life was 
fought near the spring. 

The principal spring is located on the banks of the Licking, 
about twenty feet above the water's edge. It rises in an hex- 
agonal reservoir of stone, six feet in diameter and about five 
feet deep. The flow of the spring is so rapid that the removal 
of almost 2,000 gallons in three hours caused the water in the 
reservoir to fall but one foot. 

Besides the main spring there are others, on the opposite 
side of the river and in its bed, which on examination proved 
to contain the same ingredients. 

It will be observed, on inspection of the analysis, that there 
is .a striking similarity between these waters and those of the 
Upper Blue Lick. 

BIG BONE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Big Bone Springs, Boone County, Kentucky. 

Access. — Go to "Walton, a station on the Louisville & Cincinnati Rail- 
road, eighteen miles -west of Cincinnati ; thence seven miles by stage to the 
springs. Or, by steamboat on the Ohio River to Hamilton Landing ; thence 
one mile and a half to the springs. 

Hotel.— Clay House. 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis of these waters has 
been made. The following is the statement in the " Geology 
of Kentucky," volume ii., page 62 : " The quantitative analysis 
of these waters, at their fountain-head, indicated as their prin- 
cipal constituents : Sulphuretted hydrogen — which escapes in 
intermittent volume, proving the water to be saturated with 
this gas — chloride of sodium, sulphate of magnesia, sulphate 
of soda, sulphate of alumina, bicarbonate of lime, bicarbonate 
of magnesia, carbonate of soda. This water has an alkaline 
reaction." It is also stated that "these are truly fine sul- 
phuretted-saline waters." 

Remarks. — The supply of water is very abundant, several 
springs breaking forth in various directions, from the boggy 



194 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



flats forming the sources of Big Bone Lick Creek. The name 
" Big Bone " is derived from the fact that remains of masto- 
dons are frequently found here, embedded in the bog. Some 
exceedingly fine specimens have been obtained. 

There are three springs, known as the " Big Bone," the 
" Mastodon," and the " American Epsom." 



PAROQUET SPRINGS. 

Location.— Bullitt County, Kentucky. 
Post-Office.— Shepherdsville, Bullitt County, Kentucky. 
Access. — Go * to Louisville ; thence eighteen miles south on Louisville 
Nashville Railroad to Shepherdsville ; thence by stage. 
Hotel. — Paroquet Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (Prof 


. J. Lawrence Smith) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


0.047 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 0.188 


Carbonate of iron . 


0.022 


Carbonate of lime 


. 0.300 


Chloride of potassium 


0.061 


Chloride of sodium 


. 38.7oo 


Chloride of magnesium 


6.004 


Chloride of calcium 


. 8.464 


Sulphate of soda . 


0.302 


Sulphate of alumina . 


. 0.062 


Sulphate of lime . 


0.285 


Iodide of sodium 


. 0.019 


Iodide of magnesium 


0.031 


Bromide of sodium 


. 0.022 


Bromide of magnesium 


0.039 


Silica . 


. 0.488 


Organic matter 


0.267 


Total . 


. 55.301 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 


0.75 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. 3.75 




— " Geology of Kentucky," vol. ii., p. 74. 



Properties. — These are valuable saline-sulphur waters, con- 
taining a large proportion of sulphuretted hydrogen. 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 195 

ESCUXAPIA SPRINGS. 

Location. — Lewis County, Kentucky. 

Access. — About twenty miles from Alaysville and twelve miles from Vance- 
burg, on the Ohio River. Maysville is sixty-five miles east of Cincinnati. 
Hotel. . 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis of this water has been 
made. According to Dr. L. J. Frazee, 1 an analysis by Dr. 
Peter showed it to contain free sulphuretted hydrogen gas, 
bicarbonate of lime, bicarbonate of magnesia, chloride of so- 
dium, chloride of magnesium, sulphate of soda, and sulphate 
of magnesia. 

Properties. — Dr. Frazee adds : " It is proper to remark 
that most of these saline ingredients are in very minute quan- 
tities, so much so that the chloride of sodium, the sulphate 
of soda, and the sulphate of magnesia it contains, render it 
very slightly if at all aperient. Sulphur, in the form of sul- 
phuretted-hydrogen gas, with which this water is impregnated, 
may be considered by far its most important ingredient. . . . 
The principal effect of the water appears to be to stimulate 
the secretory action of the system generally, but more espe- 
cially that of the skin and that of the kidneys." 

Remarks. — The Esculapia Springs are situated between 
two lofty ranges of hills, lying almost parallel. At the base 
of one occurs the sulphur spring, and at the base of the other 
a chalybeate spring. 

GBAYSON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Grayson Springs, Grayson County, Kentucky. 

Access. — From Louisville, via Louisville & Xashville Railroad, forty-two 
miles south to Elizabethtown ; thence twenty-six miles west, via Elizabeth- 
town & Paducah Railroad, to Grayson Springs Station ; thence two miles 
and a half by stage to the springs. 

Hotel. — Grayson Springs. 

Analysis. — These waters contain, according to Dr. Peter, 3 

1 "Transactions Kentucky State Medical Society," 1872; report on " The Mineral Waters 
of Kentucky,'' by L. J. Frazee, M. D. 

2 Frazee, " The Mineral Waters of Kentucky." 



196 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



chloride of sodium, sulphate of magnesia, phosphate of soda, 
sulphuretted-hydrogen gas, and carbonic-acid gas. 

Remarks. — These springs rise in a valley, and within a 
circuit of a few hundred feet there is a number of sources, 
differing but little in constitution. A chalybeate spring is said 
to have been discovered on the grounds. Since the completion 
of the Elizabethtown & Paducah Railroad, this resort has been 
considerably patronized. 



OLYMPIAN SPBINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Olympian Springs, Bath County, Kentucky. 

Access. — Go by rail to Lexington, Kentucky ; thence, by Lexington & Big 
Sandy Railroad, about thirty-five miles east, to Mount Sterling ; thence by 
stage. During 1873 the Lexington & Big Sandy Railroad will probably be 
finished to within three miles of the springs. 

Hotel. — Olympian Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (Salt Sulphur, 


Dr. Peter) : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 




0.904 


Carbonate of iron 


. 


trace. 


Carbonate of lime . 




1.742 


Chloride of potassium 




1.334 


Chloride of sodium 




20.752 


Chloride of magnesium 


. 


6.924 


Sulphate of lime . 




trace. 


Bromine and iron 




trace. 


Alumina . . 




trace. 


Silica ..... 


' . 


0.131 


Water and loss 




9.825 


Total . 


41.612 


Gases. 






Carbonic acid 


not estimated. 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. not estimated. 



Properties. — This is a fine saline-sulphur water, seldom 
cathartic, promptly diuretic. The flow is six gallons per min- 
ute. 

Reynarlts. — These springs are situated in the eastern por- 
tion of the State, where the surface is exceedingly rough and 



SULPHUR- WATERS. 



197 



picturesque, approaching mountainous. Besides the water 
of which the analysis is given, there is also a so-called black- 
sulphur spring, and a chalybeate. The chalybeate tastes de- 
cidedly of iron, according to Dr. Drake. 



FOX SPRINGS. 

Location. — Fleming County, Kentucky. 

Access. — Fox Springs are about ten miles from Flemingsburg, which 
place is twelve miles south of Maysville, a town on the Ohio River. 
Hotel. . 

Analysis. — Dr. Frazee, in his report on " The Mineral 
Waters of Kentucky," says these are sulphur-waters similar 
to the Esculapia Springs. 

Hemarlcs. — This is said to be a pleasant resort. There is 
also a chalybeate water here. 



ESTILL SPRINGS. 

For location, etc., see "Estill Springs, Purgative "Waters." 
ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (Red Sulphur, Robert Peter, M. D.): 



Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda . 


0.168 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 0.605 


Carbonate of lime . 


1.472 


Chloride of sodium . . . 


. 0.612 


Sulphate of potassa 


0.670 


Sulphate of soda 


. 1.254 


Sulphate of magnesia 


0.073 


Silica ..... 


. 0.044 


Organic and volatile matters 


0.292 


Total . 


. 5.190 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 


5.01 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. 0.07 



Properties. — It will be seen that this is a light sulphur- 
water, the sulphuretted hydrogen arising, in all probability, 
from decomposition of a sulphate. There are two other 
springs, the white and black sulphur, containing almost the 



198 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



same ingredients in about the same proportion. The black 
sulphur, however, contains one-half grain (0.502) of carbonate 
of iron to the pint. 



LOUISVILLE ARTESIAN WELL. 
Location and Post-office. — Louisville, Kentucky. 



ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains (76^° Fahr. Prof. J. Lawrence Smith) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda .... 


0.237 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 0.204 


Carbonate of iron . 


0.032 


Carbonate of lime 


. 0.520 


Chloride of potassium 


0.528 


Chloride of sodium 


. 11.690 


Chloride of magnesium 


1.847 


Chloride of aluminum . . 


. 0.151 


Chloride of calcium 


8.216 


Chloride of lithium 


. 0.013 


Sulphate of potassa 


0.403 


Sulphate of soda 


. 9.037 


Sulphate of magnesia 


9.667 


Sulphate of alumina . 


. 0.225 


Sulphate of lime .... 


3.679 


Phosphate of soda 


. 0.193 


Iodide of magnesium . . . 


0.044 


Bromide of magnesium 


. .0.058 


Silica ... 


0.111 


Organic matter 


. 0.089 


Loss ..... 


1.015 


Total .... 


. 113.959 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid .... 


0.77 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. 0.25 


Nitrogen ..... 


0.17 



Properties. — It will be seen that this is a saline-sulphur 
water, and a valuable one. 

Remarks. — This well is located at the paper-mill of A. V. 
Du Pont & Co., on Tenth Street, near Main. It is 2,086 feet 
deep, and occupied sixteen months in boring. The tempera- 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 199 

ture of the water, as given in the analysis, is as it issues from 
the orifice of the well. A self-registering thermometer, sunk 
to the bottom of the well, indicated 86^° Fahr. Considering 
the point of constant temperature below the surface at Louis- 
ville as 53° Fahr., we have an increase of one degree of tem- 
perature for every sixty-seven feet below that point. 
The water is bottled for exportation. 

DRENNON SPRINGS. 

Location. — Henry County, Kentucky. 

Access. — Go to Newcastle, Henry County ; thence about ten miles north- 
wardly, 

Hotel. — None. 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis has been made. 

JProperties. — " This is a very fine mineral water, acting not 
only on the skin, but as a mild aperient, diuretic, and diapho- 
retic." — ( Geological Survey of Kentucky, vol. iii., p. 52.) 

Remarks. — Twenty-five or thirty years ago this was one 
of the most fashionable resorts in the West. During one of 
the most prosperous seasons the cholera appeared at the 
springs, and the guests — panic-stricken — departed precipitate- 
ly. During a following year the property was burned. 

BEDFORD SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Bedford Springs, Trimble County, Kentucky. 

Access. — Go to Sulphur Station, on the Louisville & Cincinnati Short Line 
Railroad, thirty-six miles east of Louisville, seventy-one miles west of Cin- 
cinnati ; thence, six miles by stage, to the springs. 

Hotel. — Bedford Springs. 

Analysis. — In the " Geological Survey of Kentucky," vol. 
ii., page 79, the constituents of this spring are noted as fol- 
lows : Chloride of sodium, sulphate of soda, sulphate of mag- 
nesia, bicarbonate of lime, bicarbonate of magnesia, carbonate 
of soda — alkaline to test-paper. The Epsom Spring, in the 
same vicinity, contains the same ingredients, except that sul- 
phate of magnesia is in larger proportion. 



200 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

WHITE SULPHUR AND TAR SPRINGS. 

Location. — Breckenridge County, Kentucky. 

Post-Office. — Cloverport, Breckenridge County, Kentucky. 

Access. — Take daily steamers from Louisville, on the Ohio River, to Clo- 
verport, one hundred and ten miles southwest ; thence four miles south bj 
carriage. 

Hotel. — White Sulphur Springs. 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis has been made. 

HemarJcs. — The springs, four in number, issue at the base 
of a high cliff. Their general character is that of sulphur- 
waters. One spring, however, is peculiar : on its surface a 
black substance floats, similar in appearance to tar ; hence the 
name. Observations as to the therapeutic value of this sub- 
stance are wanting. 

The surrounding country is rough and the scenery pictu- 
resque. 

DE SOTO SPRINGS. 

Location. — De Soto Parish, Louisiana. 
Post-Office. — Mansfield, De Soto Parish, Louisiana. 

Access,. — By steamboat on the Red River to Shreveport; thence, forty 
miles by stage, to Mansfield. 
Hotel. — At Mansfield. 

Analysis. — Within a radius of thirty miles of Mansfield 
are several valuable sulphur and chalybeate waters. 

HemarJcs. — At some of these springs cabins have been 
erected, and, during the summer months, they are a popular 
resort for the neighboring inhabitants. The hotel at Mans- 
field is on the site of a spring. 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — White Sulphur Springs, Catahoula Parish, 
Louisiana. 

Access. — By steamboat to Harrisonburg, on the Washita River, or Alex- 
andria, on the Red River ; thence, from the' first point thirty-five miles by 
coach ; from the second, twenty-five miles. Each of these places is between 
seventy-five and one hundred miles northwest from the junction of the Red 
River with the Mississippi. 

Hotel. — Springs. 



SULPHUR- WATERS. 201 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis of the springs has 
been made. A qualitative one shows them to contain the 
usual ingredients of sulphur-waters, with a trace of iron. 

Properties. — These waters are said to be useful in diseases 
of the skin, hepatic engorgements, and dyspepsia. 

Remarks. — The springs are situated in the midst of that 
portion of Catahoula Parish known as the " piney-woods re- 
gion." The surrounding country is undulating and covered 
with the long-leaf Southern pine. Near by is Trout Creek, a 
crystal-clear stream, the waters of which abound in large 
brook-trout. 

ALPENA WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan. 

Access. — Go to Bay City, one hundred and eleven miles north of Detroit, 
on the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad; thence by steamer, on Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, and Saturdays, ahout one hundred and ten miles north to Alpena. 

Hotels. — Alpena House, Union House, Star Hotel. 





ANALYSIS. 






One pint contains 


(52° 


Fahr. Prof. S. P. 


Duffield) : 


Solids. 








Grains. 


Carbonate of potassa 


. 


. 


. 


trace. 


Carbonate of soda 




. 




. 1.364 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


. 




4.661 


Carbonate of iron 




. . • 




. 0.170 


Carbonate of lime . 


. 


. 


, 


4.787 


Chloride of sodium 




, . . 




. 8.532 


Sulphate of lime 


. 


. 


. 


3.151 


Alumina and silica 




. . . 




. 0.386 


Total 


23.657 


Gases. 








Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid . 




... 




. 1.05 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. 


. 


. 


4.42 


Nitrogen 




. 




. 0.03 



Properties. — These waters abound in sulphuretted hydro- 
gen, and, according to the analysis, there are but few springs 
in this country or Europe equally rich in this ingredient. (As 
to. magnetism of the waters, see remarks on this subject.) 

Remarks. — Alpena is situated on the shores of Thunder 



202 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Bay, an inlet of Lake Huron. It is but seventy-five miles south 
from Mackinaw. From its northern latitude and situation on 
the lake-shore, the temperature is cool and refreshing during 
the hot months of summer. The village numbers some 3,000 
inhabitants, and is the outgrowth of a large lumber business 
which centres there. The waters flow from an artesian well 
900 feet deep. 

SHARON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Sharon Springs, Schoharie County, 
New York. 

Access. — Take Albany & Susquenanna Railway direct to the springs, fifty- 
nine miles west of Albany. Coming from the west, take Erie Railway to 
Binghamton ; thence, by Albany & Susquehanna Railway, one hundred and 
eleven miles to springs. Or, New York Central Railroad to Palatine Bridge, 
fifty-five miles west of Albany ; thence nine miles by stage. 

Hotels. — Pavilion, Union Hall, Eldridge. 





ANALYSIS. 






One pint contains 


White Sulphur 

Spring. 

48° Fahr. 

J. E. Chilton, M. D. 


Red Sulphur. 

48° Fahr. 

Prof. Lawrence Reed. 


Gardner Magnesia. 

48° Fahr. 

Prof. Lawrence Reed. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

6! 28 
.30 

5*. 30 
13.95 

0.28 


Grains. 
0.043 
0.051 
1.122 
0.041 
0.091 
0.008 
2.370 

12.080 

0.111 
0.056 


Grains. 
0.042 




0.100 




0.842 




0.154 




0.054 


Chloride of lime 


0.020 




2.460 




11.687 


Hydrosulphuret of sodium and hydro- 




Hydrosulphuret of calcium and mag- 


0.781 




0.050 






Total 


20.11 

Cubic in. 

2!" 


15.973 

Cubic in. 
0.57 
1.81 
0.50 


16.190 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 
0.277 




0.750 




0.375 






Total 


2.38 


1.402 



Chalybeate Spring, see page . 

Properties. — As will be seen by the analysis, these waters 
are comparatively light, and for this reason may be taken in 
considerable quantities. In most instances, however, from two 
to four glasses will be found to answer. To produce the alter- 



SULPHUR- WATERS. 203 

ative effect, one or two glasses should be taken an hour before 
meals and on retiring, and continued for some weeks. When 
a cathartic effect is desired, and the water does not act readily, 
the action may be aided by taking a Sedlitz powder, or from 
half to a tablespoonful of Epsom salts, and afterward rely 
alone en the water. 

The bathing arrangements are ample. The flow of water 
is abundant, estimated at 120 gallons per minute. 

Remarks. — In describing Sharon Springs, we cannot do 
better than quote from a writer in Harpers Monthly, June, 
1856, though with slight transposition of the sentences: 

" The mineral springs at Sharon gush out from the bed 
of a small brook, and from a steep, wooded slope on its mar- 
gin. For more than half a century their healing virtues have 
been known, and parents often took their children, who were 
afflicted with cutaneous disorders, and dipped them in the wa- 
ters. Upon the slope from which the fountains gush, a curious 
phenomenon is exhibited : within the space of a few rods are 
five different springs — chalybeate, white sulphur, red sulphur, 
magnesia, and pure water. The two principal springs are the 
white sulphur and magnesia ; the first on the margin of the 
brook, the other higher up on the slope. 

" Although the village and the springs lie in a ravine, they 
are 900 feet above the Mohawk Valley. The eye, turned to 
the north and east, comprehends one of the grandest and most 
beautiful prospects imaginable. The hilly county seems sub- 
dued into a gently-rolling plain ; and the woods, fields, villages, 
farm-houses, and brooks like silver threads, have the appearance 
of a gorgeous piece of tapestry, excelling, in richness of con- 
ception, form, and color, any thing the looms of Gobelin ever 
produced. Beyond, stretches the great valley, whose northern 
slopes, and the hills of Herkimer, Fulton, and Saratoga, fade 
away in mysterious, aerial perspective of azure, vermilion, and 
gold. And far beyond all, in dim, spectral mass, loom up the 
loftier peaks of the Adirondack Mountains." ^ 

Besides the charming scenery immediately at the springs, 
there are delightful rides to Cherry Valley and Cooperstowm, 
10 



204 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



the latter place commanding a view of Otsego Lake, nine miles 
in extent, and celebrated for salmon and trout-fish. Two miles 
distant from Cherry Valley are the Telcaharawa Falls {see 
Cheeky Valley Springs). Twenty miles distant, by railway, 
is Howe's Cave, one of the most wonderful natural curiosities. 
The cave has been explored for seven miles, and, during the 
season, is illuminated for a distance of three miles from the 
main entrance, so that the visitor is relieved of the annoyance 
of smoking torches. 



MASSENA SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Massena Springs, St. Lawrence County, 
New York. 

Access. — From the east and south, via New York Central and Rome & ¥a- 
tertown Railroads, to Potsdam Junction, twenty -five miles east of Ogdensburg ; 
thence fourteen miles northeast, by stage, to the springs. Or, go to Rouse's 
Point (outlet of Lake Champlain) ; thence eighty-two miles west, by Ogdens- 
burg & Lake Champlain Railroad, to Brasher Falls ; thence ten miles north- 
west, by stage, to springs. From the west, via New York Central and Rome & 
Watertown Railroads, to Potsdam Junction. Or, through Lake Ontario and 
down the St. Lawrence, to Ogdensburg, whence a boat runs during the sea- 
son to Dodge's Landing, within three miles of the springs. Or, continue down 
the river to Cornwall, whence by ferry and carriage to the springs. 

Hotels. — Harrowgate, Hatfield House. 

ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (Prof. Ferd. F. Meyer) : 



Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of iron . . 


0.045 


Carbonate of lime ..... 


0.422 


Chloride of potassium 


0.063 


Chloride of sodium .... 


9.961 


Chloride of magnesium 


3.741 


Sulphate of soda ..... 


0.437 


Sulphate of lime .... 


7.616 


Hyposulphite of soda .... 


0.526 


Phosphate of soda . . . . 


0.165 


Bromide of magnesium . . . 


0.084 


Sulphuret of sodium .... 


. 0.176 


Silicate of soda and organic compounds . 


1.397 


Total ..... 


24.633 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


0.663 



SULPHUK- WATERS. 205 

Properties. — These are saline-sulphur waters, much resem- 
bling those of Eilsen, in the principality of Schaumburg- 
Lippe, but much richer, however, in chloride of sodium. I 
need not add that they are exceedingly valuable waters of this 
class. They have proved of decided utility in dartrous dis- 
eases of the skin, scrofula, catarrh of the bladder, and gravel. 
Their use should be combined in most cases with the tepid 
and warm bath. 

Remarks. — The springs are delightfully situated on the 
banks of the Raquette River, a broad and rapid stream, flow- 
ing into the St. Lawrence, and affording fine opportunity fcr 
fishing. As early as the close of the last century these waters 
were discovered by surveyors, who noticed the oozy ground 
around them filled with the hoof-prints of the moose and deer, 
these animals visiting the spot to drink of the water. The 
Indians had used them as remedies for ulcerations, it is said, 
as long as tradition tells ; and, as early as 1815, white people 
occasionally sought them for the relief of cutaneous diseases. 

The quantity of water taken during the day should not, as 
a rule, exceed three or four tumblers. Bathing facilities are 
ample. 

The drives in the vicinity of Massena are very attractive. 
A favorite visit is to the Indian village of St. Regis, about 
twelve miles distant. 

DRYDEN SPHINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Dryden, Tompkins County, New York. 

Access. — From east, west, north, and south, go to Auburn, New York, on 
New York Central Eailroad; thence by Southern Central Railroad to Dry- 
den, thirty-six miles south. Or, go to Owego on the Erie Railway ; thence 
by Southern Central Railroad to Dryden, thirty-two miles north. 

Hotel. — Dryden Springs House. 

Analysis. — These waters have never been thoroughly an- 
alyzed, either quantitatively or qualitatively. However, it is 
known that they contain sulphate of magnesia and chloride of 
sodium in notable proportions. One is said to be so strongly 
impregnated with sulphate of magnesia " that you can readily 



206 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



imagine yourself taking a dose of Epsom salts." There are 
also chalybeate wells here. The waters are cold, varying in 
temperature from 48 to 54° Fahr. 

JZemarks. — Dryden Springs are elevated, cool in summer, 
and a pleasant resort. 

CHITTENANGO SPRINGS. 

Location* — Madison County, New York 

Post-Office Address. — Chittenango, Madison County, New Yctk. 

Access. — Chittenango is a station on the New York Central Railroad, one 
hundred and thirty-three miles west of Albany, and fifteen miles east of 
Syracuse. From station, three miles south by stage or carriage to springs. 

Hotel. — White Sulphur Springs Hotel. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


White Sulphur. 

49° Fahr. 

Prof. C F. Chandler. 


Cave Spring. 

49° Fahr. 

Prof. C. F.Chandler. 


Magnesia. 

49° Fahr; 

Prof. C. F.Chandler. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
1.631 

0.00T 
0.019 
0.129 
trace. 
0.02T 
0.244 
10.177 
trace. 
0.014 

b'.oio 

0.035 


Grains. 

1.776 
0.014 
0.029 
0.196 
trace. 

6 '.948 
13.265 
trace. 
0.043 
0.140 
0.032 
0.027 
0.064 


Grains. 

1 439 




029 




041 




0.229 












1 589 




14.385 








0.094 




0.116 


Hyposulphite of soda 


0.002 






Silica 


0.072 






Total 


12.293 

Prof. Collier. 

Cuhic in. 

4.5 

0.1 


16.534 

Prof. Collier. 

Cuhic in. 

3.2 

0.4 


17.996 


Gases. 1 


Prof. Collier. 

Cuhic in. 

2.3 




1.6 







Properties. — These waters may be taken in the usual quan- 
tity of a glass three or four times a day, on an empty stomach. 
It will be noticed that, in solid constituents, they are closely 
allied to the calcic waters. 

He?narks. — The traveller, leaving the station, follows the 
narrow valley of the Chittenango Creek a mile or more beyond 
the village, and the springs are seen, gushing out from a 



Analysis by Prof. Collier, in 1870. 



SULPHUR- WATERS. 207 

shelving ledge of rocks on the eastern bank of the stream. 
Ascending a neighboring summit to the height of 200 feet, a 
most pleasing view is had of the entire valley, and Cazenovia 
and Oneida Lakes. About two and a half miles above the 
springs the valley terminates, and the stream falls perpendicu- 
larly 140 feet, forming, with the deep gorge and surroundings, 
a scene well worth a visit. 

RICHFIELD SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Richfield Springs, Otsego County, New- 
York. 

Access. — From Utica, ninety-five miles west of Albany on the New York 
Central Railroad, take cars on Utica, Chenango, & Susquehanna Valley Rail- 
road, direct to the springs, thirty-five miles. From Binghamton, two hun- 
dred and fifteen miles northwest of New York on the Erie Railway, by Utica, 
Chenango, & Susquehanna Valley Railroad, one hundred and three miles to 
springs. The first named is the direct route. 

Hotels. — Spring House, Hosford House, American House. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Prof. Reid) : 

Solids. , Grains. 
Carbonate of magnesia . . . . • 1.480 

Carbonate of lime ..... 0.870 

Chlorides of sodium and magnesium . . 0.1 87 

Sulphate of magnesia ..... 3.750 

Sulphate of lime ..... 2.500 

Hydrosulphate of magnesia and lime . . 0.250 

Undetermined . . . . . 19.187 



Total . . . ... . 28.224 

Gas. Cubic in. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen .... 3.3 

The above is an analysis made many years ago. A new 
analysis is much needed. 

Remarks. — The village of Richfield Springs is delightfully 
situated upon a narrow plain near the head of Canaderaga, 
or Schuyler's Lake, which forms the chief attraction to the 
visitor. The lake is but one mile distant from the hotel, and 
conveyances pass to and fro every half-hour. The lake is five 
miles in length, and a mile and a quarter at its greatest 



208 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



breadth. High hills surround it on every side except to the 
northward. . 

The waters of these springs were sought by the Indians 
long before the advent of the white man, and tradition tells a 
story of one of their healing prophets, who dwelt on a beauti- 
ful island in the midst of the lake. Hither the Iroquois would 
come for the relief of their maladies. During the night he 
would glide silently to the shore in his canoe, seek the foun- 
tains, and return with the magic waters. He became proud 
and powerful, and at last assumed to be twin-brother to the 
Great Spirit. Such blasphemy was visited with dire punish- 
ment. One morning a bridal party went forth to receive the 
prophet's benediction, but on arriving at the lake-shore found 
the island had disappeared. The Great Spirit in his wrath 
had thrust it with the proud prophet so deep in the earth, 
that it is said the waters of the lake where it stood are un- 
fathomable by human measurement. 



AVON SPHINGS. 

Location. — Livingston County, New York. 

Post-Office Address. — Avon, Livingston County, New York. • 

Access. — Avon is a station on the Erie Railway, sixty-five miles east of Buf- 
falo ; eighteen miles south of Rochester ; three hundred and sixty-seven 
miles northwest of New York. 

Hotels. — United States, Avon Springs Hotel (at the depot), Congress 
Hall, Knickerbocker Hall. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


Upper Spring, 

51° Fahr. 
Prof. Hadley. 


Lower Spring. 
J. B. Chilton, M. D. 


New Bath Spring, 
50° Fahr. 
Prof. Beck. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
1.000 
2.300 

2.666 

1.250 
10.500 


Grains. 
3.666 

1.051 

1.716 
6.201 
7.1S0 
trace. 


Grains. 
3.370 




0.710 








4.840 




1.01O 




0.440 










Total 


1T.050 

Cubic in. 
0.70 
1.50 


19.814 

Cubic in. 
0.49 
1.25 


10.370 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 




.050 







SULPHUR- WATERS. 209 

Proiierties. — It will be seen by analysis that these are valua- 
ble sulphur-waters, resembling in many respects the celebrated 
Spa of Neudorf, in Electoral Hesse. The flow is large from 
the lower spriDg, being fifty-four gallons per minute. Bathing 
arrangements are extensive. Dr. Salisbury, quoted by Dr. 
Francis, of New York, deceased, says : " Generally speaking, 
four or six half-pint tumblers of the water drank during the 
day, prove mildly cathartic, and, under its long-continued use 
in this dose, no debility ensues, but appetite and strength are 
much increased. In doses of from ten io fifteen glasses, it 
acts powerfully on the bow^els, kidneys, and skin." * 

Remarks. — The location of these springs, in one of the 
most beautiful portions of Western New York, together with 
the efficacy of the waters, conspires to make this a most attrac- 
tive resort. And the place is not without historical interest. 
Near the Avon railway-station, at the foot of the slope, is the 
battle-field of the French under De Nouville, in 1687, where 
the invaded Senecas drove them from their hunting-grounds. 
And eight miles distant, at the Geneseo, General Sullivan re- 
taliated with severity upon the Indians for their cruelties at 
Cherry Valley and Wyoming. 



LONGMTJTRS "WELL. 
Location. — Rochester, New York. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (52° Fahr.) : 
Solids. Grains. 

Carbonates of lime and magnesia, with trace of oxide of 

iron . .... 1.48 

Chloride of sodium . ... 6.52 

Sulphate of soda . • . . . 6.99 

Total ..... 14.99 

Gases. Cubic inch. 

Carbonic acid .... small quantity. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen .... 2.16 

— " Geology of New York. 

Pamphlet on " Mineral Waters." By Dr. Francis. ■ 1834. (Astor Library.) 



210 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



CHEREY VALLEY SPRINGS. 

Location.— Otsego County, New York. 

Post-Office Address. — Cherry Valley, Otsego County, New York. 

Access. — Take Albany & Susquehanna Railroad direct to Cherry Valley, 
sixty-eight miles west of Albany ; thence two miles to the springs. From 
the west, take Erie Railway to Binghamton ; thence by Albany & Susque- 
hanna Railroad, one hundred and twenty miles to Cherry Valley ; thence two 
miles to springs. 

Hotels. — None at the springs, though one in contemplation. Several in 
the village of Cherry Valley. 

. ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains- 



SOLICS. 
Carbonate of magnesia . 

Carbonate of iron .1 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of potassium . . 

Chloride of sodium 

Chloride of magnesium 

Chloride of calcium 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia. . . 

Sulphate of lime 

Hydrosulphate of soda 

Silica and alumina. . 

Silex 

Organic matter 

Total 



1T.589 



Bath-House Sprinjr. 


House. 
Prof. Perkins. 


J. B. Chilton, M. D. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


2.227 


1.245 




0.306 


1.177 


1.844 




0.311 


1.555 


0.266 


0.460 




0.350 




1.385 




3.070 




7.210 


18.683 


0.075 




0.045 






0.455 


0.035 





23.110 



Remarks. — The above analysis of the Bath-House Spring 
shows these waters to be worthy the improvements that are 
contemplated. At present there are facilities during the sum- 
mer months for taking baths at the springs. 

These springs are situated in a portion of New York ren- 
dered historical by conflicts with the Indians. Stories are 
told of fierce struggles, and of white men seized and carried 
into captivity. Not long ago Judge Campbell still lived here, 
who, in 1778, when six years of age, was captured, with his 
mother and family, and taken first to Niagara, thence to 
Caughnawaga, near Montreal, where they remained for two 
years, finally to return to Cherry Valley. 

Near the springs are the TeJcaharawa Falls, which were 
thus described fifty-four years' ago by the late Alvan Stewart : 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 



211 



" At the distance of one mile northeast of the village a small 
brook takes its rise, and runs north about a mile and a half, 
when, passing into a dark wood of hemlock, it is precipitated 
down a fall of one hundred and fifty-two feet of perpendicular 
height, where it is lost in a dark gulf below. ... In approach- 
ing from the south one advances to the very border of the 
gulf before he dreams, or fancies, from any feature of the 
ground, that such a yawning abyss is within five yards of his 
feet. If sublimity be in any measure allied to horror, or con- 
nected with the grandeur of objects, one must feel its full force 
the first moment his sight meets the rocks which pave the 
bottom of this tremendous chasm." 



CLIFTON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Clifton Springs, Ontario County, New 
York. 

Access. — Clifton Springs is a station on the Auburn Branch of the New- 
York Central Railroad, two hundred and eleven miles west of Albany ; sixty- 
three miles west of Syracuse ; thirty -nine miles east of Rochester ; ninety- 
seven miles east of Buffalo. 

Hotel.— Clifton Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (Prof. J. R. ( 


3hilton) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


1.64 


Carbonate of lime 


. 1.21 


Chloride of sodium . 


1.16 


Chloride of magnesium . 


. 0.51 


Chloride of calcium . . . 


0.51 


Sulphate of soda .... 


. 0.97 


Sulphate of magnesia 


2.06 


Sulphate of lime . ... 


. 8.65 


Organic matter 


trace. 



Total ...... 16.71 

"Sulphuretted hydrogen and carbonic acid abounds, but the quantity 
having been materially lessened while conveyed to New York, the proper 
amount could not be ascertained." — (1852.) 

Pi'operties. — This is a good calcic-sulphur water, especially 
indicated when a case otherwise requiring sulphur-waters is 



212 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



complicated by disease of the bladder, to which calcic waters 
are applicable. 

Remarks. — These waters were first utilized in 1806 by 
the erection of suitable buildings for the accommodation of 
those who resorted to them from the surrounding country. 
At that time the springs flowed out on the borders of a marsh 
in the midst of a forest. Now Clifton is an exceedingly popu- 
lar resort. 

COLUMBIA SPRINGS. 

Location. — Columbia County, New York. 
Post-Office. — Hudson, Columbia County, New York. 
Access. — Take cars on Hudson River Railroad, or boat on the river, to 
Hudson, one hundred and fifteen miles north of New York, and twenty-seven 
miles south of Albany ; thence four miles northeast to springs by carriage. 
Hotel. — Columbia Springs House. 

ANALYSIS.* 
One pint contains (Atwood) : 



Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of lime 


. 2.724 


Chloride of potassium 


0.149 


Chloride of sodium 


. 10.590 


Chloride of magnesium 


3.929 


Sesqui-chloride of iron 


• . . 0.427 


Sulphate of lime . 


8.117 


Phosphate of soda 


. 0.267 


Hyposulphate of soda 


1.018 


Loss ....... 


. 0.102 


Total . 


27.323 


Gas. 


Cubic inch. 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. 0.56 



This is an exceedingly pleasant resort, where quiet, salu- 
brious air, and rural scenery, may be enjoyed. 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Cairo, Greene County, New York. 
Access. — Go to Catskill, one hundred and nine miles north of New York, 
on the Hudson River Railroad ; thence ten miles. 
Hotel. — White Sulphur Springs House. 



1 A new analysis is desirable. 



SULPHUR- WATERS. 213 

Analysis. — None has been made. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated in the Oatskill Moun- 
tains, at an elevation of one thousand feet above the level of 
the sea. 

SHOCCO SPRINGS. 

Location. — "Warren County, North Carolina. 
Address. — Warrenton, Warren County, North Carolina. 
Access. — From Raleigh, via Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, sixty-two miles 
north, to Warrenton ; thence nine miles by stage. 
Hotel. — Buildings mostly destroyed. 

Analysis. — The waters are §aid to be of the saline-sulphur 
class. Dr. Jos. A. Drake, of Hilliardston, who has been famil- 
iar with them for many years, writes that " they are slightly 
aperient and decidedly diuretic." 

WARREN WHITE SULPHUR. 

Location. — Warren County, North Carolina. 

Post-Office. — Ridgeway, Warren County, North Carolina. 

Access. — Go to Ridgeway, a station on the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad, 
fifty-seven "miles northeast of Raleigh, and forty miles southwest of Wel- 
don ; thence ten miles by private conveyance or stage. 

Hotel. — Warren Springs. 

Analysis. — Nodc 

Remarks. — Springs closed since the war, except in 1866. 
It is, however, proposed to reopen them. 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location. — Delaware County, Ohio. 
Post-Office. — Lewis Centre, Delaware County, Ohio. 

Access. — Go to Delaware, a station on the Cleveland & Columbus Rail- 
road, twenty-four miles north of Columbus ; thence by stage. 

Analysis. — These are very feeble sulphur-waters. Prof. 
E. S. Wayne, who made the analysis, informs me that there 
are about four grains of solid constituents to the gallon, com- 
posed chiefly of carbonate and sulphate of lime, with a trace 
of the chlorides. 

Remarks. — A few years ago this was a fashionable resort, 



214 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



but the positive value of the water was not sufficient to main- 
tain its temporary popularity. The property was sold to the 
State, and is now the seat of an industrial reform-school for 
girls. 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office, — White Sulphur Springs, Catawba County, 
North Carolina. 

Access. — From Baltimore by rail, via Richmond, to Salisbury, North Caro- 
lina ; thence, via Western Railroad of North Carolina, to the springs. 

Hotel. — White Sulphur Springs. 

MINNEQUA SPRINGS. 



Location and Post-Office. — Minnequa Springs, Bradford County, Penn- 


sylvania. 




Access. — Go to Minnequa, a station on the Northern Central Railroad, 


thirty-six miles south of Elmira, and one hundred and 


thirty-four miles north 


of Harrisburg. 




Hotel. — Minnequa Springs. 




ANALYSIS.* 




One pint contains (Dr. Gregg) : 




Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


0.136 


Carbonate of magnesia 


0.159 


Carbonate of lime 


0.091 


Chloride of potassium 


trace. 


Chloride of sodium 


0.129 


Sulphate of lime .... 


0.062 


Oxide of iron and alumina 


0.462 


Sulphur ..... 


0.167 


Organic matter . . . 


0.093 


Total .... 


1.299 


Gas. 


Cubic inches. 


Carbonic acid .... 


0.50 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


undetermined. 



Properties. — According to the analysis the water appears 
to be a chalybeate-sulphur water. It is said to be agreeable 
to the taste, on account of the carbonic acid contained. The 
flow is estimated at six gallons per minute. 

1 From the Medical and Surgical Reporter, 1872. 



SULPHITE-WATERS. 215 

Remarks. — The springs are located in the Towanda Val- 
ley, at an estimated elevation of several hundred feet above 
the sea-level. The cultivated hills surrounding the valley form 
an agreeable landscape, while neighboring woods and streams 
supply opportunities for huntsmen and fishermen. 

YORK SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — York Sulphur Springs, Adams County, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Access. — Go to Oxford Station, ten miles east from Gettysburg, on the 
Hanover Branch of Pennsylvania Central Railroad; thence nine miles by 
stage. 

Hotels. — York Springs. 

Analysis. — The old analysis is inaccurate. 

Remarks. — These springs were discovered in 1790, and at 
that time attracted much attention. They have ever since 
been resorted to by the citizens of Baltimore and the adjoin- 
ing country. 

CARLISLE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Carlisle Springs, Cumberland County, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Access. — From Philadelphia, via Peunsylvania Central Railroad, to Harris- 
burg, one hundred and six miles west ; thence, via Cumberland Yalley Rail- 
road, eighteen miles southwest to Carlisle ; thence four miles by stage. 

Hotel. — Springs. 

Analysis. — None. They are mild sulphur-waters. 

Remarks. — The springs issue at the base of the Blue 
Mountain. Not far distant is Canodoquinnet Creek, furnish- 
ing opportunity for fine fishing. These springs are very 
pleasantly located, and are much resorted to by families from 
Philadelphia and Baltimore. 

GLENN SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office.— Glenn Springs, Spartanburg District, South 
Carolina. 

Access. . 

Hotel. ■. 



216 MINEKAL SPRINGS. 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis of these waters has 
been made. A qualitative examination by Prof. 0. U. Shepard, 
of Charleston, shows- them to contain sulphate of magnesia, 
sulphate of lime, carbonate of lime, and sulphuretted hydrogen. 



SITKA, ALASKA. 

As a matter of curiosity more than utility, we insert the 
following passages from a letter to the author, from H. J. 
Phillips, M. D., Post-Surgeon U. S. A., at Sitka : 

" Sitka may be reached in the following way : Steamers 
leave San Francisco weekly in summer for Portland, Oregon. 
Fare, thirty dollars, including meals. From Portland a small 
but safe steamer leaves for Sitka about the end of every 
month. Fare, seventy dollars, with meals. 

" The route taken is from Cape Flattery through the 
Straits of Fuca, in among islands through narrow passes, 
bounded on either side by high snow-capped peaks, all the 
way to Sitka. It is the longest and most wonderful inland 
navigation in the world, extending over twelve hundred miles, 
and well repays the traveller for his trouble and time. There 
is no hotel in Alaska, but plenty of empty houses. All the 
Russians who could pay their fares have left, and only those 
who cannot, now remain, as the place is retrograding very fast. 

" About twenty miles from Sitka there are two springs, 
called here c Geysers ' or Warm Sulphur. The height of 
these respectively above the sea is eighteen and twenty-two 
feet; the flow about one-half gallon per minute. The tem- 
perature of the first is 104° Fahr. ; of second, 96° Fahr. 

" These springs were much frequented and used by the 
Russians before the session of the Territory to the United 
States. Two log-houses erected by the old Russian Fur Com- 
pany have been destroyed by the Indians, but the two large 
wooden tanks still remain. These springs were highly rec- 
ommended for the cure of syphilis and rheumatism, with the 
former of which diseases the Russians and Indians here are 
actually eaten up. 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 217 

" There is a chalybeate spring about half a mile from the 
city of Sitka, flowing from a rock on the side of a road called 
Davis Avenue. No analysis has ever been made of the water. 
It was used by the Russians, and since that period occasion- 
ally by visitors. 

" There is a mountain eleven miles long, and twelve 
hundred feet above the level of the sea, on the main-land of 
Alaska, and on the western bank of the Chilchat River, which 
is supposed to be composed almost entirely of iron. From 
the sides of this mountain issue numerous chalybeate springs." 

The following abstract from the hospital register at Sitka 
is interesting : 

Mean Fahr. 
"Warmest day of summer, August 9, 1870 . . 67° 

Coldest day of summer, June 2, 18*70 . . . 44° 

Warmest day of winter, December 1, 1869 . . 46° 

Coldest day of winter, March 11, 1869 . . .3° 

Mean annual temperature, 18 TO . . •. 44° 



ALBURG SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Alburg Springs, Grand Isle County, Ver- 
mont. 

Access. — From New York or Boston, purchase tickets via Vermont Cen- 
tral Railroad to Alburg Springs Station, sixteen miles northwest of St. 
Albans, and one mile distant from the springs. From the west, go to 
Schenectady or Troy ; thence north, via Rutland & Burlington Railroad. Or 
go down the St. Lawrence River to Montreal ; thence, via Rouse's Point, or 
St. Albans, to springs. 

Hotels. — Alburg Springs House, Missisquoi House. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (C. T. Jackson, M. D.) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Chloride of sodium . 1.095 

Chloride of magnesium .... 0.627 

Chloride of calcium and carbonate of lime . 0.601 

Sulphide of potassium and sulphate of potassa . 1.237 

Sulphate of soda . . . . 0.887 

Insoluble matters ..... 0.100 

Organic acid of the soil (crenic acid) and loss . 0.250 

Total .' .... 4.797 



218 



MINEEAL SPRINGS. 



(The water gives off a large quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen, and is 
distinctly alkaline from excess of sulphide of potassium. — C. T. J.) 

A qualitative analysis of these waters has been made by Prof. C. P. 
Chandler, of New York, who finds, in addition to the above ingredients, the 
bicarbonate of lithia and strontia. 

Remarks. — These springs have been a favorite resort since 
the year 1816, when Timothy Sowles, Elisha Reynolds, and 
Stephen Sweet, farmers, were induced to take boarders. The 
springs are located on the shores of Missisquoi Bay, amid 
the beauties of lake and mountain scenery. There are two 
springs, the northern one being somewhat ferruginous in 
character. They are about eighty rods from the water's edge, 
and thirty feet above the level of Lake Champlain. 



JORDAN'S WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location. — Frederick County, Virginia. 

Post-Office.-*-Stephenson's Depot, Frederick County, Virginia. 

Access. — From the north, go to Harper's Ferry, on the Baltimore & Ohio 
Railroad, eighty-one miles west of Baltimore ; thence, on Winchester Branch 
of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, to Stephenson's Depot, twenty-eight miles 
southwest ; thence, by stage to the springs, two miles southeast of the depot. 
From the south, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, to Strasburg ; 
thence north, twenty-three miles, by Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, to Stephen- 
son's. 

Hotel. — Jordan's. 





ANALYSIS. 




One pint 


contains (T. Antisell) : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of potassa 


. 


1.213 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


. 0.360 


Carbonate of iron 


. 


trace. 


Carbonate of manganese 




. 0.002 


Chloride of sodium 


• • . 


0.095 


Sulphate of potassa . 


. 


. 0.262 


Sulphate of lime 


. 


0.641 


Alumina 


. . . 


. 0.001 


Silicic acid 


. 


0.032 


Total . 


. 2.606 


Gas. 




Cubic in. 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. ■ 


0.25 



The proportion of sulphuretted hydrogen is much larger 



SULPHUK-WATERS. 



219 



than here given, this analysis only showing the amount in the 
bottled water after it had been standing for some time. 

Properties. — These are light waters, and may be taken in 
considerable quantity. When the waters do not act as an 
aperient, and it is desirable to produce this effect, it is aided 
by adding a teaspoonful of table-salt to each glass of water 
for two or three doses. 

Hemarks. — The springs are located in the Valley of the 
Shenandoah, five miles distant from Winchester. The build- 
ings and spring are embowered in a grove of tall aspens, on 
either side of a stream of running-water. From the hills, at 
the rear of the hotel, fine views may be had of the Blue Ridge 
and Alleghany Mountains. Immediately in the vicinity of 
these springs the contests between Jubal Early and Sheridan 
occurred, and Winchester is said to have changed masters 
eighty-seven times. 

HIGHGATE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Highgate, Franklin County, Ver- 
mont. 

Access. — Highgate is three and a half miles from Swanton, a station on the 
Vermont Central Railroad, nine miles north of St. Albans. 

Hotels. — Franklin House, Champlain House. 



ANALYSIS. 






One pint contains— 


Champlain Spring. 
A. A. Hayes. 


T. Sterry Hunt. 


Solids. 
Carbonate of potassa 


Grains. 
0.459 
0.153 
0.152 
0.127 

trace. 
0.093 
0.021 

6 '.004 

6*112 

0.102 


Grains. 




1.713 


Carbonate of magnesia 


0.729 


Carbonate of lime 


0.175 


Carbonate of ammonia 




Chloride of potassium 




Chloride of sodium 


2.930 


Sulphate of soda 


0.306 


Protoxide of iron 




Potassa and boracic acid 




Crenic acid 












Total 


1.223 


5.853 







— " Geology of Vermont." (1867.) 

These springs are situated on the Missisquoi River, amid 
exceedingly attractive scenery. 



220 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



NEWBURY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Newbury, Orange County, Vermont. 

Access. — From New York, via New York & New Haven Railroad, New 
Haven, Hartford & Springfield Railroad, Connecticut River Railroad, and 
Connecticut & Passumpsic Railroad, to Newbury, two hundred and ninety- 
three miles northeast of New York. 

Hotel. — Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Prof. Hall) : 



Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda . 


0.50 


Carbonate of magnesia . . 


. 0.30 


Carbonate of lime 


2.20 


Chloride of sodium 


. 0.04 


Sulphate of soda 


0.30 


Sulphate of magnesia . 


. 0.05 


Phosphate of iron . 


0.05 


Protoxide of iron 


. trace. 


Nitrate of potassa . 


0.05 


Hydrosulphate of soda 


. 0.04 


Silica and suspended clay . 


1.10 


Organic matter and ammonia 


. 0.03 


Total 


. 4.66 



Gas. — Sulphuretted hydrogen, undetermined. 



STRIPPING SPRINGS. 

(For location, access, etc., see description of these springs under "Cha- 
lybeate Waters.") 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (No. II., D. K. Tuttle, M. D.) : 

Solids. 
Carbonate of potassa 
Carbonate of soda . . 

Carbonate of magnesia .... 
Carbonate of iron .... 
Carbonate of lime . 
Chloride of sodium 
Sulphate of lime . 
Silicic acid ..... 



Total 



Carbonic acid . 
Sulphuretted hydrogen 



Grains. 
0.093 
0.780 
0.251 
0.016 
1.204 
0.080 
0.156 
0.080 

2.660 
Cubic in. 
1.30 
0.03 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 



221 



YELLOW SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Yellow Sulphur Springs, Montgomery County, 
Virginia. 

Access. — From the north via Washington : Orange, Alexandria & Manas- 
sas Railroad, and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Christiansburg, two hun- 
dred and sixty-four miles southwest from Washington ; thence, three and a 
half miles by stage, to the springs. From the south and southwest, strike 
the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad ; thence to Christiansburg. From the 
west, via Huntington and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Charlottesville, 
junction with Virginia & Tennessee Railroad; thence to Christiansburg. 
Hotel. — Yellow Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (55 c 
Solids. 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of protoxide of iron 



Fahr. Prof. W. M. Gilham): 

Grains. 
0.173 
0.077 



Carbonate of lime 
Chloride of potassium 
Chloride of sodium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda ' . 
Sulphate of magnesia 
Sulphate of alumina . 
Sulphate of lime . 
Phosphate of magnesia 
Phosphate of lime 
Organic extractive matter 

Total 

Gas. 
Carbonic acid . 
Sulphuretted hydrogen 



1.080 
0.012 
0.009 
0.013 
0.093 
2.637 
0.397 
7.912 
0.001 
0.002 
0.466 

12.872 
Cubic in. 
1.25 
undetermined. 



Properties. — These are fine calcic-sulphur waters, with an 
active proportion of purging sulphates. 

Remarks. — These springs are on the eastern slope of the 
Alleghany Mountains, at an altitude of over two thousand feet 
above the level of the sea. The mountain-top rises but sixty 
feet above them. Visitors dwell amid the most beautiful moun- 
tain scenery, and breathe a cool and bracing atmosphere, even 
during the heats of July and August. Although these springs 
have been established as a resort but a few years, they have 



222 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

met with the favor of the public. Bishop Madison, as long 
ago as 1810, highly commended them. 

The proprietors have arranged for baths of any tempera- 
ture desired. 

BUFFALO SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Buffalo Springs, Mecklenburg County, 
Virginia. 

Access. — From Richmond, take cars on Richmond & Danville Railroad, to 
Scottsburg Depot, one hundred and one miles southwest of Richmond; 
thence, fifteen miles by stage, to the springs. 

Hotel. — Buffalo Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains : 

Solids. Grains. 

Chloride of sodium .... trace. 

Chloride of magnesium .... trace. 

Sulphate of soda . . . . . 0.163 

Sulphate of magnesia .... 1.000 

Sulphate of protoxide of iron . . . 0.325 

Sulphate of lime . . . . . 0.437 



Total ..... 1.925 

Gas. Cubic in. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen . . . .0.15 

Properties. — Although the above analysis is very imper- 
fect, still it enables us, in some measure, to estimate its prop- 
erties. 

COYNEH'S SPRINGS. 

Location. — Botetourt County, Virginia. 

Post-Office. — Bonsacks, Roanoke County, Virginia. 

Access. — Bonsacks is a station on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, two 
hundred and twenty-six miles southwest from Washington; two hundred 
and eighty-six miles northeast by rail from Knoxville, Tenn. Springs are 
one mile from Bonsacks. (By giving the conductor notice, passengers will 
be left at the springs-platform, only two hundred yards distant from the 
hotel.) 

Hotel. — Coyner's Springs. 

Analysis. — None has been made. 

Remarks. — There are five springs here, the principal ones 
known as the White, the Black, and the Blue, the names be- 



SULPHUK- WATERS. 223 

ing due to the color of the sediment deposited by the water. 
The proximity of these springs to the main line of railroad 
from the Southwest to Washington and the East, together 
with the agreeable surroundings, renders this a pleasant rest- 
ing-place to the tired traveller. 

EGGLESTON'S SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Eggleston's Springs, Giles County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Central (?), two hundred and seventy- 
four miles southwest ; thence forty-one miles north to the springs. 

Hotel. — Eggleston's. 

Analysis. — None. 

Remarks. — These springs are located in one of the most 
attractive mountain districts of Virginia, far out of the or- 
dinary course of travel, and on this account all the more inter- 
esting to the tourist. New River here bends in a wide, majes- 
tic curve, over which towering cliffs of gray-stone, two hundred 
and ninety-five feet high, cast their shadows. The river has a 
depth at this point of one hundred and fifty feet. A few 
miles distant is Peter's Mountain and the " Narrows," where 
the river forces its way through a ragged defile in the moun- 
tain. 

An exceedingly novel and romantic way of reaching the 
springs, is to leave the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad at New 
River Bridge, and float twenty-five miles down the stream in 
one of the bateaux which ply on its waters. 

BOTETOURT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Botetourt Springs, Roanoke County, Virginia. 
Access. — By Virginia & Tennessee Railroad to Salem; thence nine miles 
by turnpike. 

Analysis. — There are two springs — one sulphur, one cha- 
lybeate. 

Remarks. — Some thirty years ago this was a popular 
summer resort, and deservedly so, both on account of the 



224 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

value of the water, the beauty of the scenery, and salubrity 
of the climate. But in 1842 the property was purchased by 
a company, and converted into an institute for young ladies. 
From the name of its principal benefactor, it has been called 
the " Hollins Institute." It has had a prosperous career, and 
is now in charge of Prof. Charles L. Cocke, A. M. 

COLD WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Cold White Sulphur Springs, Rockbridge 
County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Goshen, one hundred and eighty-eight 
miles southwest ; thence by stage two miles to springs. From Richmond via 
Gordonsville, one hundred and sixty-eighty miles to Goshen. From West via 
Cincinnati to Huntington, one hundred and sixty-five miles east, on the Ohio 
River ; thence, by Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad to Goshen, two hundred and 
fifty -one miles southeast. 

Hotel.— Cold White Sulphur. 

Analysis. — None. The temperature of the water is 57j-° 
Fahr., and the flow five gallons per minute. 

MONTGOMERY WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — White Sulphur Springs, Montgomery 
County, Virginia. 

A CC ess. — Visitors from North or South should buy tickets to Big Tunnel, 
a station on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, two hundred and fifty-nine 
miles southwest of Washington ; thence by tramway. 

Hotel. — Montgomery White Sulphur. 

Analysis. — None. 

HemarJcs. — These are decidedly sulphurous waters, appli- 
cable to those diseases which are advantageously treated by 
waters of this class. They are well located, and are a desira- 
ble place of resort. 

FAUQUIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location. — Fauquier County, Virginia. 
Post-OiSce. . 

Access. — From Washington via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 



SULPHUE- WATERS. 225 

to Warrenton Junction, forty-seven miles west ; thence by Warrington 
Branch Railroad and stage, total distance about fifty-six miles. 
Hotel. — (Burned during the war.) 

Analysis. — No accurate quantitative analysis has evei 
been made. Temperature 56° Fahr. 

Properties. — The water is purgative and diuretic. 

Remarks. — Previous to the war this was an exceedingly 
fashionable resort. The waters seem to possess decided value, 
and it may again be improved by suitable accommodations. 

HUGUENOT SPRINGS. 

Location. — Powhatan County, Virginia. 
Access. — Seventeen miles from Richmond. 
Hotel. — Huguenot Springs. 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis has been made. Prof. 
Rogers found it contained the usual ingredients of sulphur 
waters in small proportion. 

Remarks. — The springs are so named from the fact that 
they rise on a tract of land granted by the British Govern- 
ment to a band of Huguenot refugees in 1685. The waters 
are considerably resorted to by citizens of Petersburg and 
Richmond. On the same ground there is a chalybeate spring. 



BUHNER'S SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Burner's Springs, Shenandoah County, Yirginia. 

Access. — From Washington via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
to Woodstock, one hundred and one miles west ; thence via stage, eight 
miles, to the springs. 

Hotel. — Burner's Springs. 

Analysis. — None. 

Remarks. — These springs, seven in number, and' therefore 
sometimes called Seven Fountains, are situated at the western 
base of the Massanutten Mountain. The springs are known 
as the Blue and the White Sulphur- waters, the Willow, the 
Chalybeate, etc. The location of this resort is exceedingly 
beautiful. 



226 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ROANOKE BED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location. — Roanoke County, Virginia. 
Post-Office. . 

Access. — From Washington via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Salem, two hundred and thirty-eight 
miles southwest ; thence ten miles by stage. 

Hotel.— Red Sulphur. 

Analysis.- — None. 

Remarks. — These waters deposit a red sediment, and were 
so named from this fact. In medical action they are supposed 
to resemble the old Red Sulphur-Springs of Monroe County. 

DAGGAR'S SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office. — Daggar's Spring, Botetourt County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad 
and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Buford's, two hundred and fifteen miles 
southwest; thence by stage, twenty-eight miles. 

Hotel. — Springs. 

Analysis. — None. It is a mild sulphur- water. 

Remarks. — This resort was opened forty years ago, by Mr. 
Daggar, from whose hands it passed to J. W. Dibrell, and is, 
therefore, sometimes called DibrelVs Spring. It is a favorite 
resort with the inhabitants of the surrounding country. 

GRAYSON SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Grayson Sulphur Springs, Carroll County, 
Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad 
and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Wytheville, three hundred and thirteen 
miles southwest ; thence, twenty miles southeast by stage, to the springs. 

Hotel. — Grayson Sulphur. 

Analysis. . 

Remarks. — These springs are situated to the west of the 
Blue Ridge, and on the banks of New River. The surround- 
ing scenery is exceptionally beautiful Many years before 
they were improved, the neighboring inhabitants resorted here 
during the summer season. Since the hotel was built, the 
springs have received considerable patronage. 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 



227 



GREENBRIER WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier 
County, West Virginia. 

Access. — White Sulphur Springs is a station on the Chesapeake & Ohio 
Railroad, two hundred and twenty-seven miles west from Richmond, and one 
hundred and ninety-two miles east from Huntington, a point on the Ohio 
River one hundred and sixty-five miles east of Cincinnati. From Washing- 
ton, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad and Chesapeake & Ohio 
Railroad, two hundred and forty-seven miles. 

Hotel. — Springs. 

ANALYSIS, » 



One pint contains — 



Prof. A. A. Hayes. 
62° Fahr. ' 



Solids. 

Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of sodium 

Chloride of magnesium 

Chloride of calcium 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia 

Sulphate of lime 

Sulphate of alumina 

Protosulphate of iron 

Earthy phosphates 

Iodine (combined with sodium or magnesium) 

Organic matter , 

Silicates (silicate of potassa, of soda, of magnesia, and 
trace of oxide of iron) 



Total. 



Cases. 

Carbonic acid 

Sulphuretted hydrogen . 

Oxygen 

Nitrogen 




Prof. W. B. Rogers. 
62° Fahr. 



Grains. 

0.146 
0.441 
0.065 
0.0-20 
0.003 
1.169 
2.379 
9.143 
0.003 
0.019 
trace, 
undetermined. 
0.001 



13.394 
Cubic in. 

1.06 
0.37 
0.05 
0.54 



Flow, thirty gallons per minute. 

Properties. — These waters, so well known in the United 
States, very much resemble the celebrated cold sulphur- waters 
of Nenndorf, in Electoral Hesse. The combination of the purg- 
ing sulphates, the salts of lime, and sulphuretted hydrogen, in 
the same water, is a valuable one, and gives to the water a wide 
range of application ; though its effects in a given disease may 
not be so decided as that of a water containing a larger 
proportion of one of the constituents, to the exclusion of the 
remainder. It is an excellent aperient and alterative sulphur- 



1 Five minutes' walk southward, from the sulphur-spring, is a chalybeate spring. 
11 



228 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

water, possessing certain action on the kidneys. The diseases 
to which it is applicable are, engorgements of the liver, dar- 
trous skin-diseases, chronic poisoning by metals, diseases of 
the bladder, as catarrh and gravel ; and, as an adjuvant, in the 
treatment of secondary and tertiary syphilis. As a result of 
its action on the liver, it relieves dyspepsias and jaundice, due 
to congestion of this organ. In dyspepsias associated with 
obstinate constipation it also proves valuable. In many of 
these diseases the warm or hot bath should be combined with 
the internal use of the water. For this purpose the proprie- 
tors have erected a number of well-arranged baths, the water 
being heated in the tub by steam, a method much preferable 
to that of heating in tanks and thence drawing to the bath. 

In conversation with Dr. Moorman, resident physician at 
the springs, he informed me that the water is decidedly in- 
jurious in scirrhus of the stomach, organic disease of the 
heart, and phthisis pulmonalis. He also states that, in using 
the water in urinary affections, its action should be carefully 
scrutinized, in order that irritation be not produced, and copi- 
ous diuresis should never be sought. 

Usually this water decreases the number of beats of a 
rapid pulse, by allaying the diseased conditions on which the 
excited circulation depends ; and it is a rule, that it never 
proves beneficial when it perseveringly excites the frequency 
of the circulation. 1 

For general use the water should be taken in the quantity 
of a glass three or four times a day. For the purpose of pur- 
gation, three glasses an hour before breakfast and three 
glasses an hour before dinner. 

Remarks. — These springs are the Mecca of all Virginia 
tourists, the resort of the gay and fashionable, a place where 
pleasure-seeking reigns supreme. They are located in a beau- 
tiful valley, near the summit of the Greenbrier Mountain's, 
nearly two thousand feet above the sea. Within this valley, 
overlooked by mountain-summits, we behold the magnificent 
hotel, with its extended, white-columned porticos. In front, the 

1 Moorman, " Mineral Waters of the United States and Canada," p. 119. 



^^^^^^^^ 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 229 

broad lawn spreads out before us, interwoven by various wind- 
ing walks. Encompassing the lawn on either side are long 
lines of shining white cottages, embowered beneath the shade of 
ancient oaks ; while, at the distant extremity, the famous spring 
bubbles beneath a pavilion. Taking one of the by-paths, to 
the right from the lawn, we soon find ourselves in the roman- 
tic "Lovers' Maze." Here, under a dense shade of forest- 
trees, obscurely-winding paths lead in every direction, amid a 
thick growth of laurel, till one is completely lost. At various 
points we find ourselves at the edge of a precipitous declivity, 
whence extended views may be had of the deep valley below, 
and the mountain-ranges in the distance. And over the natu- 
ral beauties of the place the " season " throws a spell of life 
and revelry. Ladies and gentlemen throng the porticos, pass 
and repass across the lawns, and each embowered seat in the 
" Lovers' Maze " has its appropriate occupants. One wakes 
drowsily at morn, and lounges through the day, only to pre- 
pare for the brilliant scenes of the levee and ballroom. 



SALT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Past-Office.— -Salt Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, "West 
Yirginia. 

Access. — From the north go to Washington ; thence via Orange, Alexandria 
& Manassas Eaihoad, and Chesapeake & Ohio Eailroad, to Alderson's Sta- 
tion, two hundred and forty-nine miles west from Richmond ; thence about fif- 
teen miles south. Or, leave Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad at Alleghany Station ; 
thence via Sweet Springs, twenty-nine miles, to the springs. From the west, 
via Cincinnati to Huntington, a point on the Ohio River, one hundred and 
sixty-five miles east ; thence by Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad to Alderson's, 
one hundred and seventy miles southeast. (See Analysis, page 230.) 

Properties. — These waters are alkaline in reaction, and 
somewhat bitter to the taste. They contain an active propor- 
tion of purging sulphates, and are valuable waters. The 
Iodine Spring, according to the analysis, much resembles the 
waters of Challes, in Savoy, both containing similar salts, and 
the unusual ingredients, in sulphur-waters, of iodine and bro- 
mine. These waters are applicable to engorgements of the 



230 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



ANALYSIS 






One pint contains — 


Old Spring, 
49° Fahr. to 56° Fabr. 
Prof. W. B. Rogers. 


Iodine Spring, 

65i° Fabr. 

D. Stewart, M. D. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

0.414 
1.283 
0.197 
0.033 
O00T 
2.795 
2.276 

10.613 
0.012 

trace. 

trace. 
1.155 


Grains. 
0.291 




1.350 




0.875 




4.125 




0.188 




0.035 




0.070 




3.000 




2.500 




8.500 




0.133 




0.079 




0.081 




0.220 




0.023 




0.091 










Total 


18.785 

Cubic in. 
1.66 
0.43 


21.561 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 
4.32 




2.39 







liver, dartrous skin-diseases, and chronic metallic poisoning. 
The waters of the Iodine Spring are said to prove especially 
beneficial in cases of scrofula and syphilis. 

There are facilities for employing the water in the form of 
warm baths. 

Remarks. — North of the Iodine and Salt Sulphur Spring 
is another water known as the Sweet Sulphur Spring, the first 
discovered of the group, but for many years neglected. It is 
lower in temperature, and more pleasant to the taste than the 
other waters, and, when they prove too cathartic in action, 
may be temporarily substituted. The name salt applied to 
these waters is inappropriate, as it conveys a wrong impres- 
sion of their constituents. 

These springs are situated in a charming valley on the 
banks of the Indian Creek, and are shut in on every side by 
hills and mountain-summits. Eight miles distant to the 
southeast the graceful outlines of Peter's Mountain are seen, 
while Swope's Mountain is but two miles distant to the north- 
west. 



M SULPHUR- WATERS. 231 

BED SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Red Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, West 
Virginia. 

Access. — From the North go to Washington ; thence via Orange, Alexandria 
& Manassas Railroad, and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Alderson's, two 

hundred and sixty-nine miles west from Washington ; thence miles 

southwest. From south and southwest, go to Dublin Depot, two hundred and 
eighty-two miles southwest from Washington, on the Virginia & Tennessee 
Railroad ; thence thirty-eight miles north by stage. From west, via Cincin- 
nati and Ohio River to Huntington, one hundred and sixty-five miles east ; 
thence one hundred and seventy miles by Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad to 
Alderson's ; thence miles south. 

Hotel.— Springs. 



ANALYSIS. 






One pint contains, (54° Fahr. A. A. Hayes, 


M. 


D.): 


Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia .... 




. 0.602 


Carbonate of lime .... 


. 


0.656 


Sulphate of soda .... 




. 0.518 


Sulphate of lime .... 


. 


0.069 


Sulphur compound (organic matter, W.) 




. 1.049 


Silicious and earthy matter 


* 


0.102 


Total . . 


. 2.996 


Gases. 




Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid .... 


. 


1.00 


Sulphuretted hydrogen .... 




. 0.13 

(1842.) 



This analysis, having been made from water sent to Rox- 
bury, Mass., is not an index of the quantity of gas as it exists 
at the spring. There it evolves considerable sulphuretted hy- 
drogen. 

The chemical character of the sulphur compound is given 
by Prof. Hayes, 1 as follows : 

1. When separated from a solution by evaporation or by 
drying from a gelatinous state, it forms greasy films, which do 
not darken solutions of lead or copper. 

2. In pure water they slowly dissolve, and the solution 
gives salts of the compound with the bases. 

1 Burke on the " Virginia Springs," p. 101. 



232 MINEKAL SPEINGS. 

3. Solution of carbonate of soda dissolves them, and a 
fluid results which froths by agitation. 

4. In caustic solutions of alkalies the films dissolve, and the 
solutions are slightly yellow-colored. These solutions have 
the peculiar odor of soap-lyes. They do not blacken metals, 
nor color metallic solutions. Acids decompose the solutions, 
and the sulphur compound separates in the form of a bulky 
jelly generally ; some oxyacids, giving flocks. 

5. Nitric acid dissolves the films, and the salts of baryta 
and lead do not indicate the presence of sulphuric acid. On 
heating the solution a yellow matter separates, which resem- 
bles that produced by acting on azotized bodies by this agent ; 
sulphuric acid is thus produced, and the yellow precipitate re- 
quires a large proportion of nitric acid for its complete oxida- 
tion. The result of this action is an acid which gives a deep- 
yellow color with ammonia in excess. 

6. Chlorine in muriatic acid separates from the sulphur 
Compound some white flakes, which are finally oxidized, and 
a colorless solution formed, in which sulphuric acid exists. 

7. Alcohol did not dissolve the compound. 

In another portion of his report, Prof. Hayes says : " The 
peculiar sulphur compound which forms a part of the saline 
contents of this water has never been described, 1 if it has ever 
before been met with ; while in the natural state, and out of 
contact with atmospheric air, it is dissolved in the water, and 
forms a permanent solution. Air, acids, and other agents, 
separate it from the water in the form of a jelly, and alkaline 
carbonates, alkalies, water, and other agents, redissolve it. 
It has no acid action on test-fluids, but bears that character 
with bases, and forms compounds analogous to salts. In its 
decomposition ammonia is formed, and hydro-sulphuric acid is 
liberated ; or, if heat be employed in the experiment, sulphur 
is separated. It combines with the oxide of silver, and forms 
a salt of a reddish-purple color, in the form of a flocculent 
precipitate, which dissolves in pure water ; with the oxide of 
lead a yellowish- white powder, and with the oxide of copper a 

11842. 



SULPHUR-WATERS. 233 

pale-blue salt in fine powder. In these compounds it remains 
unaltered, and may be separated from them and transferred to 
other bases. Mixed with a small quantity of water, and ex- 
posed to a temperature of 80° Fahr., it decomposes, and emits 
a most offensive odor of putrefying matter with hydro-sul- 
phuric acid." 

The red deposit which occurs in the springs is considered 
by Prof. Hayes to be an algoid growth from the viscid deposit 
of the sulphur-compound. 

Properties. — As will be seen from the analysis, this water 
contains but a small proportion of saline constituents, the 
chief ingredient being the sulphur-compound. This sub- 
stance, in many of its reactions, resembles hydrosin or the 
soluble organic matter of sulphur-waters, though the num- 
ber of corresponding tests are not sufficient to establish the 
identity. 1 

The action of these waters, taken internally, is decidedly 
sedative. In corroboration of this fact we may give the testi- 
mony of Dr. Jos. Scott. He went to the springs with a pulse 
which, for some months, had ranged from 100 to 110, accom- 
panied with occasional cough and hcemorrhage from the lungs. 
He drank the first day four pints, the second day six pints, the 
third day eight pints. On the third day the pulse fell to 70 
in the morning, and 80 to 84 in the evening, and so continued 
while using the water. Dr. Henry Huntt arrived at the 
springs with pulse 115, cough and pulmonary hasrnorrhage. 
He confined himself to low diet, and drank six glasses of the 
water during the day — two before breakfast, one at eleven a. 
m., one at five p. m., and two at bedtime. In ten days the 
pulse was reduced to 78. Dr. Woodville, of the Sweet 
Springs, tells me he has experienced the sedative action of 
the water on the heart in his own person when in a state of 
health. 

This water seems to possess a peculiar tendency toward 
the mucous membrane of the lungs, allaying irritation and 

1 Compare Henry, "Analyse Cliimique des Eanx Minerales, v p. 454, Paris. 185S. Also 
'* Nouveau Dictionnaire de Medicine et de Ghirurgie," tome xii., p. 240, Paris, 13T0. 



234 MINERAL SPRINGS: 

diminishing expectoration. It also acts on the intestines and 
kidneys. In small quantities it is cathartic, in larger quan- 
tities diuretic. According to Dr. Huntt, its beneficial effects 
are most decided when it acts freely on the kidneys. The 
water should first be taken in moderate quantities — two or 
three glasses each day — and gradually increased till diuretic 
action is produced. The time recommended for taking the 
principal draughts is at bedtime and before breakfast, an ad- 
ditional glass being taken once or twice through the day. 

The water by its sedative action proves hypnotic in some 
oases. 

The diseases in which the water proves decidedly beneficial 
are chronic bronchitis, chronic pharyngitis, and chronic laryn- 
gitis. In these diseases they equal, if not surpass, any known 
waters. It has also given temporary relief in cases of phthisis 
pulmonalis of the chronic form, not by any specific curative 
influence, but in its action in allaying congestion and irritation 
of the mucous membrane of the lungs. 

Remarks. — These springs are beautifully situated on In- 
dian Creek, at the edge of a mountain-enclosed plain. The 
mountains, rising on either side, are clothed to the summit 
with the pine. The approach is by roads that lead through 
most charming scenery. 

BLUE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location. — Greenbrier County, West Virginia. 

A CC ess. — From Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, a station on the Chesa- 
peake & Ohio Railroad, twenty-three miles west by stage. 
Hotel.— (Burned.) 

Analysis. — None. 

Remarks. — This was once a well-improved spring, and may 
at some future time again be a place of resort. 



CHAPTER XIII, 

CHALYBEATE WATERS. 

These springs, as the name indicates, are strongly impreg- 
nated with iron, or iron is the principal active ingredient. 
This last clause is added, inasmuch as some waters may not 
contain an exceedingly large proportion of iron, yet, owing to 
absence of other salts, this is the predominant agent. In 
each class of waters, springs are found containing iron ; in- 
deed, there are not many that do not contain it in some pro- 
portion. The iron is usually found as a bicarbonate, though 
in some instances, in which sulphuric acid is in excess, it exists 
as a sulphate. 

Waters of this class are usually limpid and devoid of odor. 
They have an astringent and inky taste if the iron is present 
in large quantity, but, if the water be highly charged with 
carbonic-acid gas, this taste is disguised. 

The effect of iron-waters is to increase the appetite, pro- 
mote digestion, stimulate the activity of the heart, and red- 
den the blood. 

The chalybeate waters which prove most valuable are 
those containing a large amount of carbonic-acid gas and but 
a small proportion of other constituents. 

Pure acidulous chalybeates prove of exceeding benefit in 
cases of' ancBmia and chlorosis. And not only are they used 
in cases in which a deficiency in redness of the blood-globules 
is the prominent indication : they are also valuable as an 
adjunct to treatment by other waters. It is not unfrequent 
for patients, who have undergone a course of alterative treat- 
ment, to be sent to springs of this class as an appropriate 



236 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

termination. These waters are also useful in cases of indi- 
gestion, amenorrhcea, dysmenorrhea, hysteria, paralysis, and 
sterility, in which anaemia is a prominent indication. 

Many waters containing considerable iron are also strongly 
impregnated with saline (chloride of sodium) or alkaline con- 
stituents, and may be termed saline-chalyoeates or alkaline- 
chalyoeates. They will be found under the class Saline or 
Alkaline Waters. It need hardly be added that, in prescrib- 
ing these chalybeates, we apply them to those anaemic cases 
in which the other constituents of the spring are especially 
applicable. 

The so-called Alum Waters of Virginia have been included 
in this class, inasmuch as iron is one of the most prominent 
constituents. Of all the mineral waters these are among the 
most decided in the curative effect. The peculiarity of these 
waters consists in the large proportion of alumina and the 
presence of free sulphuric acid ; the last-named ingredient oc- 
curring in only two or three places in this country outside of 
Virginia, as at the Oak Orchard Acid Springs, New York, and 
the Tuscarora Acid Springs, Canada. These waters are of a 
yellowish tint, and have a strongly astringent, accompanied 
with a styptic taste. In temperature they are cold. 

In what manner these waters prove efficacious — whether 
by the peculiar combination of alum with other ingredients, 
or by some undiscovered agent — is unknown. It is worthy 
of notice that, while from the chemical character of the water 
we should expect an astringent action, the fact is that they 
frequently act as a mild cathartic. The diseases in which they 
are curative are scrofula in all of its forms, and chronic diar- 
rhoea, except cases accompanied with considerable congestion 
of the mucous membranes and liver. They are also decidedly 
beneficial in chronic eczema and leucorrhoea, occurring in scrof- 
ulous individuals. 

BAILEY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Bailey Springs, Lauderdale County, Alabama. 
Access. — Go to Tuscumbia, a station on the Memphis & Charleston Rail- 
road, one hundred and forty-five miles east from Memphis, one hundred and 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 237 

sixty-four miles west from Chattanooga, fifty-two miles east from Corinth, 
and forty-three miles west from Decatur; thence, via Florence Branch, to 
Florence, forty minutes ; thence, nine miles northeast, by stage. 
Hotel. — Bailey Springs. 

Analysis. — The following qualitative analyses have been 
made: 



Rock Spring. 

(Prof. Tuomey.) 
Carbonate of potassa (traces). 
Carbonate of soda. 
Carbonate of iron. 
Chloride of sodium. 
Sulphur, perhaps combined with soda. 



Chalybeate Spring. 
(Dr. Curry.) 
Carbonate of potassa. 
Carbonate of soda. 
Carbonate of magnesia. 
Chloride of sodium. 
Oxide of iron. 
Carbonic-acid gas. 
Sulphuretted-hydrogen gas. 

Accompanying his analysis, Prof. Tuomey says : " I regret 
that I had it not in my power to make a quantitative analysis 
of this far-famed water. My analysis was conducted, however, 
with as much care as possible ; yet it is proper to state that, 
under favorable circum stances, an analysis in which a large 
quantity of water could be used might develop other ingredi- 
ents in addition to those given. 

" The iron is in greater abundance than would appear from 
the deposit below the outlet of the spring. It is even thrown 
down slowly during the process of concentration by boiling. 

" The prominent ingredients are carbonic acid, iron, and 
soda." 

Properties. — These waters are alkaline-chalybeate, and we 
would expect them to prove useful in a number of diseases. 
Dr. H. A. Moody informs me that they have proved especially 
beneficial in scrofula and dropsy, the latter more particularly 
when associated with disease of the kidneys, or enlargement 
of the liver or spleen. Dropsy being but a symptom of some 
other disease, they act in this respect as a palliative by diure- 
sis. In leucorrhoea, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhcea, and irrita- 
bility of the bladder, they are said to prove of service. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated in a fertile and roll- 
ing country. The hotel is on the summit of a semicircular 



238 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

hill, horseshoe in form; and in the valley, under cover of a 
shed, are the springs, five in number — the Rock, the Chalybe- 
ate, the Soda, the Alum, and the Freestone. 

A short distance from the springs is Shoal Creek, where 
curious Indian remains may be seen ; and those fond of sport 
may amuse themselves with fishing. Muscle Shoals, six miles 
distant, present a series of broken water-falls, the roar from 
which may be heard for several miles. 

FRY'S SODA SPRING. 

Location* — Siskiyou County, California. 

Access. — Go to Sacramento ; thence, by Oregon division of Central Pacific 
Railroad, to Red Bluff; thence by stage, about ninety miles, to the spring. 
The Oregon Railroad, when finished, will pass within half a mile of the spring. 

Hotel. — Fry's Soda Springs. 

Analysis. — " The water is a chalybeate, there being an ex- 
tensive ferruginous deposit around the spring ; it is also high- 
ly impregnated with carbonic acid, sparkling like soda-water. 
The temperature of the water was 52° Fahr. in September, 
1862." x . 

JRemarJcs.- 1 — These springs are located at the bottom of the 
canon of the Upper Sacramento, at an elevation of two thou- 
sand three hundred and sixty-three feet above the sea. The 
sides of the gorge are studded to the summit with pine, fir, 
and cedar, while the banks of the river are beautiful with the 
" vivid incessant green " of the eternal spring which rules in 
California. Here we are but a short distance from the base 
of Mount Shasta, fourteen thousand four hundred and forty 
feet high, almost equal in altitude to Mont Blanc. 

The ascent of Mount Shasta is most readily made from 
this side. Persons wishing to make the ascent, procure 
horses and guides at Sisson's Ranch, eight miles from the 
springs. " The best season of the year for the ascent is in 
July or August. Before July the snow is hardly gone from 
the camping-ground from which the ascent to the summit and 
return is to be made in one day, and after that month the in- 

1 " Geological Survey of California," vol. i., p. 331. 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 239 

cessant fires in the surrounding forests fill the air with smoke, 
and take away all distinctness from the distant view. The 
plan adopted by those ascending the mountain is to pass the 
first night at Camp Ross, near the line of perpetual snow ; 
and from that point to start sufficiently early to keep always 
on the hard-frozen snow, the heat of the sun by mid-day soft- 
ening it nearly to the summit, so as to make climbing almost 
if not quite impossible ; while the ascent on the frozen surface 
is quite easy, especially if one has the soles of his boots well 
provided with nails. Our party started at 3-j- A. m., and 
reached the summit by 11-J- a. m., but others, not encumbered 
as we were by barometers and instruments, would be able to 
make the ascent in considerably less time. Of course a night 
near the full of the moon is preferable, although the usual 
bright starlight of the summer will answer to enable one to 
pick his way over the snow. It is advisable to leave Straw- 
berry Flat in season to camp early and comfortably at the 
base of the snow, and to have plenty of warm clothing, as the 
temperature at an altitude of seven thousand six hundred and 
twenty-nine feet will probably be pretty near the freezing- 
point before morning. There is abundance of wood and 
water at Camp Ross, and the trail from Strawberry Flats 
sufficiently good, to allow those wishing to save their strength, 
to ride the whole way." 1 

STAFFORD SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-OfiScc. — Stafford Springs, Tolland County, Connecticut. 

Access. — Go to Willimantic, thirty-two miles east of Hartford, on the 
Hartford, Providence & Fishkill Railroad ; thence twenty miles north to 
Stafford. 

Hotel. — Stafford Springs House. 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis has been made. In 
Trumbull's "History of Connecticut" (1818), the following 
occurs : " The springs are two in number. The first dis- 
covered contains iron, held in solution by the carbonic acid, 
or fixed air, natron or native alkali, a small proportion of marine 

1 " Geological Survey of California." 



240 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



salt, iodine, soda, magnesia, and some earthy substances. The 
other is charged principally with hydrogen gas of sulphur ; 
it also contains a very minute portion of iron. The spring 
first discovered has been pronounced by chemists to be one of 
the best chalybeate springs in the United States." Prof. C. 
U. Shepard, in his report of the " Geological Survey " of the 
State, 1837, states that these springs are " the most impor- 
tant in the State. No escape of gas perceptible. Sides of 
reservoir were lined with a thick flocculent precipitate of 
oxide of iron caused by the decomposition of the carbonate 
of iron from access of air." 

GREENCASTLE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. 

Access. — Greencastle is thirty-eight miles west from Indianapolis, by 
either Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad, or St. Louis, Vandalia, Terre Haute 
& Indianapolis Railroad. Also one hundred and thirty-nine miles north 
from Louisville, by the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad. 

Hotels. — Jones House, Centre House. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


North or Daggy 

Spring, 

56° Fahr. 


Middle or Dew- 
drop Spring, 
52° Fahr. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.011 
0.012 
0.588 
0.051 
1.819 
0.099 
0.017 
0.131 
0.020 
0.011 
0.012 


Grains. 
0.009 




0.008 




0.667 




0.298 




1.485 




0.087 




0.012 




0.129 




0.009 




0.001 




0.028 






Total 


2.771 


2.733 



JRemarJcs. — There is another spring on the grounds, known 
as the South or Diamond Spring. It is similar to those of 
which the analysis is given. 



CATOOSA SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Catoosa Springs, Catoosa County, Georgia. 
Access. — Go to Ringgold, a station on the Western & Atlantic Railroad, 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 



241 



twenty-two miles southeast from Chattanooga, one hundred and fifteen miles 
northwest of Atlanta ; thence four and a half miles east, by stage, to the 
springs. 

Hotel. — Catoosa Springs. 

Analysis. — No exact quantitative analysis has been made. 
The waters, however, are reported as strongly chalybeate. 
There are also sulphur-waters here. (See Appendix.) 

Remarks, — There are very many springs at this point, all 
rising within the space of two acres. They were much re- 
sorted to before the war, but the buildings subsequently needed 
repair. They are, however, open for visitors, and are being 
reimproved. 

MADISON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Offiee. — iladison Springs, Madison County, Georgia. 

Access. — From Augusta via Georgia Railroad, to Union Point, seventy-six 
miles ; thence, via Athens Branch, to Athens, three and a half hours ; thence 
by stage. 

Hotel. . 

Analysis. — None. 



ESTILL SPRINGS, KENTUCKY. 

(For location, etc., see " Estill Springs, Purgative Waters.") 



- 


ANALYSIS. 




One pint 


contains (Dr. Peter) : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. . 


0.335 


Carbonate of iron 


■ 


. 0.233 


Carbonate of lime 


• 


1.159 


Chloride of sodium 


. 


. 0.066 


Sulphate of potassa 




0.080 


Sulphate of soda 


. 


. 0.087 


Sulphate of magnesia 




1.224 


Sulphate of lime 


• 


. 2.084 


Alumina and trace of phosphates . 


trace. 


Silica 


• » • 


. 0.233 


Organic and volatile matl 


er 


1.028 


Total . 


. 6.529 


Gas. 




Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 




4.15 



242 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

XNIGHTSTOWN SPRING. 

Location and. Post-Office. — Knightstown, Henry County, Indiana. 

Access. — Knightstown is a station on the Indianapolis & Chicago division 
of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, thirty-four miles east of 
Indianapolis. 

Hotels. . 

Analysis. — No complete analysis of this water has been 
made. Dr. T. C. Fox, State Geologist of Indiana, in a letter 
to the author, remarks : " From a qualitative examination of 
some of the water sent to my office, it proved to be almost a 
pure chalybeate, having only about twenty-five grains of solid 
constituents in an imperial gallon, mostly calcic and magnesic 
salts." 

SCHUYLER COUNTY SPRINGS. 
Location. — Schuyler County, Illinois. 

ANALYSIS.* 

One pint contains (Dr. Blaney) : 
Solids. Grains. 

Sulphate of magnesia . . . 0.373 

■ Sulphate of lime . . . . . 9.242 

Protosulphate of iron . . . . 8.745 

Silica ....... 0.164 

Alkaline sulphates . ... . 0.979 



Total ...... 19,503 

Dr. Blaney remarks that the water " has an acid reaction, 
a strong, styptic taste, a trace of organic matter, and an ob- 
scure trace of chlorides." 



HOPKINTON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. 
Access. — From Boston to Westborough, a station on the Boston & Albany 
Railroad, thirty-two miles west ; thence, about three miles southeast. 
Hotel. 

Analysis. — The waters are said to contain carbonic acid, 
carbonate of lime, and iron. 

1 " Geology of Illinois, 1 " vol. iv., p. 89. 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 243 

OWOSSO SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office. — Owosso, Shiawassee County, Michigan. 
Access. — Owosso is a station on the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, sev- 
enty-nine miles northwest from Detroit. 

Hotel* — National. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia .... 1.413 

Carbonate of iron . . . . .1.443 

Carbonate of lime ..... 2.228 

Chlorides of sodium and potassium . . . 0.262 

Silica and alumina ..... 0.0*77 



Total 5.423 

Properties. — This is a strong chalybeate water; but, that 
the proportion of iron is as large as shown in the analysis, I 
very much doubt. It should be reanalyzed. 

Hernarks. — The town of Owosso is situated at the inter- 
section of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad and the Jackson, 
Lansing & Saginaw Railroad. The population is over two 
thousand. 

SCHOOLEY'S MOUNTAIN SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Schooley's Mountain, Morris County, 
New Jersey. 

Access. — From New York via Morris & Essex Railroad to Hackettstown, 
sixty-two miles west, thence two and one-half miles by stage. 

Hotels. — Belmont House, Heath House. 

Analysis. — None. Said to be a pure chalybeate. 

JRemarJcs. — This is an exceedingly popular resort, on ac- 
count of its accessibility and the beauty of the surrounding 
scenery. 

The spring issues from the earth near the summit of the 
mountain, and is conveyed some distance to a convenient 
place by pipes. The temperature of the water is 50° Fahr., 
the taste strongly chalybeate. The water contains consider- 
able carbonic-acid gas, and, for this reason, is acceptable to 
the stomach. The discharge is small — about one-half gallon 
per minute. 



244 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



COOPEH'S WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Cooper's Well, Hinds County, Mississippi. 

Access. — From New Orleans, one hundred and eighty-three miles north, 

wa New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern Railroad, to Jackson; thence, 

twelve miles west, by stage. 

Hotel.— Cooper's Well. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains, (50° Fahr. Prof. J. Lawrence Smith) : 
Solids. Grains. 

Chloride of sodium . . . . . 1.045 



Chloride of magnesium 
Chloride of calcium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda 
Sulphate of magnesia 
Sulphate of lime 
Sulphate of alumina 
Peroxide of iron 
Crenate of lime 
Silica . 



0.435 
0.540 
0.076 
1.463 
2.910 
5.265 
0.765 
0.420 
0.039 
0.225 



Total . . . . 13.183 

Gases. Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid . . . . . .4.0 

Oxygen ...... 1.5 

Nitrogen . . . . . .4.5 

Properties. — This is an exceedingly valuable chalybeate 
water, containing a proportion of purgative salts, and bearing 
considerable resemblance to the waters of Booklet, near Kis- 
singen, in Bavaria. This combination adapts the waters to 
numerous conditions in which anaemia is associated with con- 
stipation or abdominal plethora. It is found exceedingly val- 
uable in certain dj^spepsias, in dropsy, and in chlorosis. In 
chronic diarrhoea this water has long enjoyed high repute. 
The waters act as a diuretic or aperient, according to the 
quantity taken and the mode of drinking. 

Remarks. — This is the most noted mineral water in Mis- 
sissippi, and has long been a favorite with the people of the 
Southern country. 

The artesian well whence the water flows is one hundred 
and seven feet deep, and the flow is exceedingly abundant. 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 245 

OCEAN SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office.— Ocean Springs, Jackson County, Mississippi. 

Access. — Ocean Springs is a station on the New Orleans, Mobile & Texas 
Railroad, eighty-three miles east from New Orleans, and fifty-seven miles west 
from Mobile. Or the springs may be reached by coast-steamers from either 
New Orleans or Mobile. 

Hotels. — Morris House, Egan House. 





ANALYSIS. 










One pint 


contains 


(J.L. 


Smith) : 








Solids. 














Grains. 


Chloride of potassium 






. 


. 


. 




trace. 


Chloride of sodium 




. 




. 




. 


5.911 


Chloride of magnesium 


. 




. 


. 


. 




0.621 


Chloride of calcium 




. 




. 




• 


0.485 


Protoxide of iron . 


. 




. 


• 


. 




0.589 


Iodine 




• 




• 




. 


trace. 


Alumina 


. 




• 


• 


. 




trace. 


Organic matter 




• 


• 


• 




• 


trace. 


Total 


7.666 


Gases. 














Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 




. 


, 






. 


1.22 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. 




. 


. 


. 




0.16 










— "Geology of Mississippi 



Properties. — This water is a saline-chalybeate, abounding 
in iron, which no doubt is held in solution in the form of a 
carbonate. The unusual combination of chloride of sodium, 
carbonate of iron, and sulphuretted hydrogen, especially adapts 
it to the treatment of diseases of the skin allied to a scrofulous 
diathesis. 

JRemarJcs. — The name of these springs is derived from their 
proximity to the ocean, the beach being but half a mile distant, 
and affording ample facility for sea-bathing. The springs are 
much resorted to by citizens of New Orleans and Mobile. 

OAK-ORCHARD ACID SPRINGS. 

Location. — Genesee County, New York 
Post-Office. — Medina, Orleans County, New York. 

Access. — Go to Medina, a station on the New York Central Railroad, 
forty miles west of Eochester, thence six miles south by carriage. Or go to 



246 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Batavia, a station on a branch of the New York Central Railroad, thirty-two 
miles west of Rochester, thence twelve miles north by carriage. 
Hotel.— (Closed.) 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (J. R. Chilton, M. D.) : 




Solids. 


Grains. 


Sulphate of magnesia 


1.035 


Sulphate of alumina .... 


. 1.210 


Sulphate of lime 


4.950 


Protosulphate of iron 


. 1 790 


Silica ...... 


0.130 


Organic matter . . 


. 0.422 


Free sulphuric acid .... 


1 0.370 



Total ...... 19.907 

Properties. — This spring is, in one respect, the most re- 
markable in this country. The occurrence of notable quanti- 
ties of sulphuric acid in springs in a free state is exceedingly 
rare. Only two other springs of this character are known in 
this country, that of the neighboring town of Byron in the 
same county, and the Tuscarora Sour Spring in the county of 
Wentworth, Canada. None of the kind are known in Europe. 
" An earth somewhat similar to that found in Byron is said to 
exist in great quantities at a village called Danlakie, in the 
south of Persia, between three and four days' journey from 
Bushire, on the Persian Gulf. The natives employ it as a 
substitute for lemons and limes in making their sherbets." 
These, with Paramo de Ruiz and Rio Vinagre, New Granada, 
South America, comprise all the known springs containing 
free sulphuric acid in considerable quantity. 

The Oak-Orchard water has been used with advantage in 
a number of diseases. Prof. J. H. Armsby, of Albany, says : 
" The diseases in which I have found it most useful are as fol- 
lows : ill-conditioned ulcers, diseases of the skin, passive 
haemorrhages, diarrhoeas depending on an atonic condition of 
the mucous membranes, in depraved and impoverished con- 
ditions of the body from specific disease and from intemper- 
ance." 

When drunk the water is diluted with an equal quantity 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 



247 



of pure water. From half a wineglass to a wineglass three 
times a day is thus taken. In treatment of ulcers the water 
is taken internally, and also applied directly, lint being satu- 
rated with the water and changed twice daily. 



SHARON SPRINGS. 
Location, etc. — See these springs, under Sulphur-waters. 
ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Maisch) : 
Solids. 
Carbonate of magnesia .... 
Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of soda ..... 
Sulphate of magnesia .... 
Sulphate of lime . . . . 

Protosulphate of iron .... 
Organic matter ..... 

Total . . ■ . 

MINERAL SPRING. 



Grains. 
1.120 
trace. 
.467 
1.019 
7.975 
0.175 
3.560 

14.316 
(1861.) 



Location. — Monmouth County, New Jersey. 

Access. — Near Oceanville, two miles' drive from Long Branch. 

Analysis. — No accurate analysis has been made ; one gal- 
lon is said to contain one and a quarter grain of carbonate of 
iron. 

ADAMS COUNTY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Mineral Springs, Adams County, Ohio. 
Access. — From Cincinnati, seventy-five miles east, by steamboat on the 
Ohio Kiver, to Rome ; thence, nineteen miles north by stage. 
Hotel. — Mineral Springs. 

Analy s is. —No accurate quantitative analysis has been 
made; a qualitative analysis, by Prof. E. S. Wayne, states 
that there are fifteen grains of solid matter to the pint, com- 
posed of chloride of magnesium, sulphate of lime, carbonate 
of lime, chloride of sodium, chloride of calcium, and oxide of 
iron. The flow of the spring is about one gallon per minute, 
and the temperature 56° Fahr. 



248 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Remarks. — These springs are located in that portion of 
Ohio which most nearly is entitled to the name of mountain- 
ous. The springs, two in number, are situated in a valley at 
the base of a high hill, several hundred feet in altitude, known 
as Peach Mountain. From the surrounding elevations, far ex- 
tended and attractive views may be had, while the woodlands 
and streams supply amusement for the sportsman. " Point 
Lookout," three miles from the springs, is frequently visited 
by those who delight in an extended view. 

CRESSON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Cresson, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. 

Access. — Cresson is a station on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, two 
hundred and fifty-two miles west of Philadelphia, and one hundred and two 
miles east of Pittsburg. 

Hotel. — Mountain House. 

Analysis. — None. Principal spring said to be a chalyb- 
eate. 

Remarks. — Cresson is resorted to more because of its 
mountain elevation than the value of the waters. The air is 
pure and bracing, and the thermometer seldom rises to 75° 
Fahr. in the hottest days of summer. Guests sleep under 
blankets the entire season. The mountains furnish abundant 
opportunity for excursions, while many delightful drives wind 
through the valleys. The springs are seven in number, the 
principal one being about a quarter of a mile distant, on the 
site of the old Alleghany Portage Railway, now abandoned, 
but still showing the manner of constructing railways many 
years ago. 

BLOSSBURG SPRINGS. 

Location. — Tioga County, Pennsylvania. 

Access. — From New York, via Erie Railroad, to Corning, two hundred 
and ninety miles northwest ; thence, via Blossburg & Corning Railroad, to 
Blossburg, forty-one miles south. 

Hotel. . 

Analysis. — None. The waters are said to bear some re- 
semblance to the alum-waters of Virginia. 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 



249 



FAYETTE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Fayette Springs, Fayette County, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Access. — From Pittsburg, via Pittsburg, Baltimore & Washington Rail- 
road, to Connellsville, fifty-seven miles south ; thence, via Fayette County 
Branch Railroad, to TTniontown, fourteen miles south ; thence, twelve miles by 
stage to the springs. 

Hotel. — Fayette Springs. 

Analysis. — None. 

Remarks. — These springs are located in the Laurel Moun- 
tains, amid most romantic scenery, where cool mountain-air 
may be enjoyed. 



MONTVALE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Montvale Springs, Blount County, Tennessee. 

Access. — Go to Knorville on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad ; thence, 
via Knoxville & Charleston Railroad, to Maryville, sixteen miles northwest ; 
thence, nine miles by stage to the springs. 

Hotel. — Montvale Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 






f— 



One pint contain 

Solids. 

Carbonate of iron 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of sodium 

Chloride of magnesium 

Chloride of calcium 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia.' 

Sulphate of lime 

Oxide of iron 

Alumina 

Silica 

Organic matter 

Total 



60° Fahr. 
Prof. J. B. Mitchell. 



.300 
.657 
.245 



.564 
.500 
.276 



0.062 



13.604 



60° Fahr. 
J. R. Chilton, M. D. 



0.012 
0.018 
1.102 
2.134 
10.243 
0.14'j: 

trace. 
0.005 



13.G63 



(1S57.) 



Properties. — These are calcic-chalybeate waters. They have 
considerable reputation in chronic diarrhoea and scrofula. In 
dropsy, associated with engorgement of the liver, they act fa- 
vorably, both as a diuretic and by their effect on that organ. 



to 



1 In a note accompanying his analysis, Dr. Chilton says : " The oxide of iron was de- 
posited in the bottle ; it was probably held in solution in the water by carbonic acid." 



250 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

In large quantities, the waters are cathartic ; in moderate 
quantities, laxative and diuretic. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated in a mountain-glen, 
amid the heights of the Chilhowee Mountains. Here, amid 
the pleasures of mountain-rambles, the various sports of field 
and stream, and the luxury of cool, pure mountain-air one 
may pleasantly pass the summer days. 

Three miles distant is a sulphur-spring. 

BEERSHEBA SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Beersheba Springs, Grundy County, Tennessee. 

Access. — Go to Tullahoma, a station on the Nashville & Chattanooga Rail- 
road, sixty-nine miles southeast from Nashville, and eighty-two miles northwest 
from Chattanooga ; thence, thirty-four miles northeast by rail, to McMinnville ; 
thence, about twelve miles by stage. Or, go to Cowan, a station on the Nash- 
ville & Chattanooga Railroad, sixty-four miles northwest from Chattanooga ; 
thence by stage. 

Hotel. — Beersheba Springs. 

Analysis. — The water has never been analyzed, but is 
said to be a fine chalybeate. Temperature, 58° Fahr. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated near the summit of 
a spur of one of the Cumberland Mountains. The scenery is 
wild and attractive. The temperature is cool during the sum- 
mer months. A register of temperature taken at the hotel, 
from July 20 to August 1, 1872, gave the following result : 
Mean temperature for twelve days : 6 A. m., 72° ; 12 M., 79.8°; 
6 p. m., 78.8° Fahr. 

Being convenient of access from Nashville and Chatta- 
nooga, the springs are much resorted to by the wealthy of 
those cities. 

EAWLEY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address.— Rawley Springs, Rockingham County, 
Virginia. 

Access. — From "Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
to Harrisonburg, one hundred and thirty-eight miles west<; thence, twelve 
miles by stage, to the springs. Or, via Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, to Har- 
per's Ferry ; thence, by Winchester branch, to Harrisonburg (connections not 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 



251 



good). Or, by rail to Staunton, Virginia ; thence north, twenty-five miles by 
stage, to Harrisonburg. 
Hotel. — Rawley Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (51° Fahr 
Solids. 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of iron 
Carbonate of manganese 
Carbonate of lime . 
Carbonate of ammonia 
Carbonate of lithia 
Chloride of sodium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda 
Sulphate of Ume 
Alumina 
Silica 

Organic matter 
Loss 

Total . 



Gas. 
Carbonic acid 



Prof. J. W. Mallet) 



Grains. 
0.085 
0.203 
0.002 
0.055 
trace, 
trace. 
0.005 
0.014 
0.068 
0.013 
0.005 
0.085 
0.036 
0.073 



0.64-4 
Cubic in. 
0.77 
(1870.) 

Properties. — This water is the best pure chalybeate in 
Virginia, and proves efficacious in chlorosis, leucorrhoea, 
amenorrhcea, and menorrhagia, when depending on anaemic 
conditions, and all maladies caused by an impoverished condi- 
tion of the blood. It forms an admirable tonic after the al- 
terative treatment by other waters. 

Remarks, — These springs are delightfully situated on the 
southern slope of the North Mountain, amid salubrious air 
and pleasing landscapes. 



SWEET CHALYBEATE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address.— Sweet Chalybeate Springs, Alleghany 
County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Alleghany Station, two hundred and 
forty-one miles west ; thence, by stage nine miles, to the springs. From 
12 



252 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Richmond, via Gordonsville, two hundred and twenty-one miles, to Alleghany 
Station. From the west, via Cincinnati and Ohio River, to Huntington, one 
hundred and sixty-five miles east ; thence, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, 
one. hundred and ninety-eight miles southeast, to Alleghany Station. 
Hotel. — Sweet Chalybeate Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (15° to 19° Fahr. Prof. W. B. Rogers): 

Solids. 
Carbonate of lime 
Chloride of sodium 
Chloride of magnesium 



Chloride of calcium 
Sulphate of soda 
Sulphate of magnesia 
Sulphate of lime 
Sesquioxide of iron 

Total . 
Gas. 
Carbonic acid 



Grains. 
0.337 
0.011 
0.196 
0.003 
0.404 
0.897 
4.110 
0.092 

6.050 
Cubic in. 
13. 



Properties. — This is a fine calcic-chalybeate water, contain- 
ing a proportion of purgative salts. The taste of the water 
is sweet and ferruginous. The water is beneficially employed 
in cases of ancemia, chlorosis, leucorrhcea, and other diseases 
associated with an impoverished condition of the blood. It 
has also proved decidedly efficacious in neuralgia and gas- 
tralgia. 

JRemarJcs. — These springs, formerly called the JRed Sweet 
S}irings, are situated in one of the most beautiful valleys of 
Virginia. They are four in number, and flow from the base 
of a curiously-incrusted ledge of rocks. Although there are 
four different sources, they do not differ essentially in chemical 
constitution, unless it be the upper one, which is -somewhat 
similar to the Old Sweet Springs, one mile above. On the 
19th of August, 1871, I found the average temperature of the 
four sources to be 76° Fahr. The flow of the springs is eight 
hundred gallons per minute. The red substance covering the 
bottom of the springs is not an oxide of iron, but an algoid 
growth. 

Besides the use of the water internally, it is largely used 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 



253 



as a bath. Swimming-baths have been constructed, about 
twenty by thirty feet in area. Doubtless the good results ob- 
tained in many maladies treated here are principally due to the 
use of these baths. The temperature of the bath is 76° Fahr. 
The temperature at this resort is usually cool and agree- 
able. A record taken at the office of the hotel gives the fol- 
lowing results : 

Average Temperature. 6 A. ir. 12 m. 6 p. m. 

From July 2 to September 5, 1870 . . 10%° 84^° 78° Fahr. 
From July 24 to August 19, 1871 . . 65 80 78 



ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Rockbridge Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, 
Virginia. 

Access. — From the North to Washington ; thence, via Orange, Alexandria 
& Manassas Railroad, and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Goshen, one hun- 
dred and eighty-eight miles southwest ; thence, by stage, to the springs. 
From Richmond, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, one hundred and sixty- 
eight miles, to Goshen. From the southwest, via Yirginia & Tennessee Rail- 
road, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. From 
the west, via Cincinnati and the Ohio River, to Huntington, one hundred and 
sixty-five miles east ; thence, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, two hundred 
and fifty-one miles southeast, to Goshen. 

Hotel. — Rockbridge Alum. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains— 


No. 1. No. 2. 

A. A. Hayes, M. D. A. A. Hayes, M. D. 


No. 4. 
A.A.Hayes,M.D. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.053 

6!l35 

0.180 
0.460 
1.846 
0.175 
0.318 
2.347 


Grains. 
0.126 
0.221 
0.220 
0.403 
0.608 
2.238 
0.088 

l.*903 
0.355 


Grains. 
0.055 


Sulphate of potassa 


0.552 




0.413 




0.5S7 




3.011 




0.153 








0.6S9 




0.213 




0.127 






Total 


5.514 

Cubic in. 
0.T 


6.167 

Cubic in. 
1.9 


5.S00 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 
1.1 







(1S52.) 



Properties. — These waters are clear and odorless. They 
possess a strongly astringent and styptic taste. In tempera- 



254 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ture they are cold. A mass or extract is prepared from the 
water by evaporation, which, when redissolved, is said to pos- 
sess the virtues of the spring-water. 

These are the best known of the alum-waters of Virginia. 
Their value in the treatment of disease is undoubted. In 
what diseases do they prove curative ? The answer is simple 
and explicit. In every form of scrofula — scrofulous ulcers, 
scrofulous diseases of the skin, scrofulous discharges from the 
ears and nose, and scrofulous diseases of the bones. In chron- 
ic diarrhoea they have proved a most reliable remedy, ex- 
cept in those cases in which there is congestion of the mucous 
membranes and liver. They are also beneficial in leucorrhcea 
and chronic eczema. 

Contrary to what we would expect, these waters occa- 
sionally prove purgative. In a letter to the author, Prof. H. 
R. Noel, of Baltimore, resident-physician at the springs, re- 
marks: "It is true that the waters sometimes prove purga- 
tive, but I believe it to be true in two classes of cases. 1. 
Great atony of the digestive tract, especially of the small 
intestine. 2. When persons drink it in great excess because 
they are at the springs, and wish to reap rapidly the greatest 
possible benefit. 

" The waters, in nine cases out of ten, should be used as 
a diuretic, and taken in doses of from one-fourth to one-half 
of a small tumbler, six, eight, ten, or twelve times a day, and 
afterward gradually increase the dose, and diminish the num- 
ber of doses, to about six or eight glasses a day. The water 
does not act simply from its astringent character, but it is a 
most powerful agent in restoring perverted histogenesis. I 
have seen the w r orst forms of scrofula and some bad syphilitic 
eruptions cured in ten weeks by it, and not one grain of medi- 
cine used. 

" The water should be taken, as a rule, from four to ten 
weeks, and but little improvement will occur under two, and 
in most cases not under three or five weeks ; but, once inau- 
gurated, its effects will last for months." 

Remarks. — The springs are situated in a glen-like nook 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 255 

formed by the spurs of the North and Mill Mountains, and 
break forth from a mass of shale-rock at the base of the 
ridge. This shale contains large quantities of alumina and 
the salts of iron, and the springs are formed by the percola- 
tion of water through this mass. Four different reservoirs 
have been formed, numbered respectively No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, 
No. 4. They differ somewhat, as is seen in the analysis, es- 
pecially in the quantities of sulphuric acid. 

The immediate surroundings of this resort are attractive. 
The hotel and brick cottages encircle a lawn embowered with 
trees, and sociability and amusement add their charms. 

From a register of temperature at the hotel I made the 
following averages : 



Average Temperature during 


6 a.m. 


12 m. 


6 p.m. 


June, 1869 


. 


60.3° 


72.2° 


71.8° Fahr. 


July, 1869 . 


. 


72.2 


76.9 


76.4 


August, 1869 




64.8 


76.9 


75.9 


June, 1871 . 


. 


62.1 


72.6 


70.3 


July, 1871 




62.9 


73.5 


71.5 


August (to the 


24th) 1871 . 


64.9 


79.1 


77.3 



Warmest days during summer of 1869— July 14th, 15th, 16th— 87° Fahr. 
at 12 m. 

Warmest days during summer of 1871 (up to 24th of August) — August 
16th— 89° Fahr. at 12 m. 

PULASKI ALUM SPRINGS. 

Location. — Pulaski County, Virginia. 

Post-Office. — Dublin, Pulaski County, "Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Dublin, a station two hundred and 
eighty-two miles southwest ; thence, twelve miles by stage. From Richmond, 
via Burkeville, two hundred and twenty-nine miles southwest, to Dublin, and 
via Gordon sville two hundred and sixty-two miles. From the south and 
southwest, strike the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad ; thence to Dublin. 

Hotel. — Pulaski Alum. 

Analysis. — These waters are similar to the Rockbridge 
Alum. According to an analysis before me, they contain a 
larger proportion of iron. 

JPi^operties. — These waters may be used in very much the 
same way, and in the same diseases, as the Rockbridge Alum. 



256 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Remarks. — The springs are very pleasantly situated on 
Little Walker's Creek, at the base of Walker's Mountain. 
The surrounding country abounds in minerals. In the imme- 
diate vicinity of the springs is a rich lead of plumbago. 



BATH ALUM SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Bath Alum Springs, Bath County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas and 
Chesapeake and Ohio Railroads, to Millboro', one hundred and ninety-six 
miles southwest ; thence, ten miles by stage, to the springs. From Rich- 
mond, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, one hundred and seventy-six miles 
northwest, to Millboro'. From the west, via Cincinnati and the Ohio River, 
to Huntington, one hundred and sixty-five miles east ; ' thence, via Chesapeake 
& Ohio Railroad, 244 miles southeast, to Millboro. 

Hotel. — Springs. 





ANALYSIS 






One pint contains — 


No. 1. 
A. A. Hayes, M. D. 


No. 2. 
A. A. Kayes, M. D. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.022 

0^352 
0.4T6 
1.814 
1.286 
0.232 
0.253 
0.726 


Grains. 




0.032 




0.160 




0.317 




2.722 




1.536 




0.222 


Silicate of soda 


0.394 




0.985 








Total 


5.161 

Cubic in. 
1.4 


6.368 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 
1 







Properties. — These waters very much resemble the Rock- 
bridge Alum, and are valuable in similar diseases, as follows : 
Scrofula, chronic diarrhoea, eczema, and diseases depending 
on an impoverished condition of the blood. They contain a 
larger proportion of iron than the Rockbridge Alum. 

Remarks. — The springs are very pleasantly located on the 
stage-road from Millboro' to the Warm Springs. The build- 
ings, consisting of an hotel and cottages, are of brick, tastefully 
designed, arranged in the form of a crescent, and looking out 
upon a beautiful lawn of ten acres. The waters issue from a 
ledge of slate-stone, and are caught in pools formed in the 
rocks. Besides those of which the analysis is given, there 



CHALYBEATE WATERS. 



257 



are others varying in strength, but of the same general charac- 
ter. There are also one or two springs which bear no resem- 
blance to those named, but which have not been sufficiently 
investigated for their medical properties to be assigned. 



STRIBLINGr SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office.— Stribling Springs, Augusta County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 

and Chesapeake & Ohio Eailroad, to Staunton, one hundred and fifty-six 

miles ; thence, thirteen miles northwest by stage. From Richmond, via 

Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, one hundred and thirty-six miles to Staunton. 

From the West, via Cincinnati and Ohio River, to Huntington, one hundred and 

sixty-five miles east ; thence, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Staunton, 

two hundred and eighty-three miles southeast. 

Hotel. — Stribling Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 





Alum Springs. 


One pint contains— 


No. 4. 
D. K. Tuttle, M. D. 


No. 5. 
D. K. Tuttle, M. D. 


No. 6. . 
D. K. Tuttle, M. D. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.067 
0.0S3 
0.066 
2.0S6 
1.192 
1.S32 
0.631 
0.244 
0.409 


Grains. 
0.113 
0.293 
0.043 
2.244 
1.643 
2.113 
1.227 
0.264 


Grains. 
0.126 




0.224 




0.822 


Sulphate of alumina 


4. S01 
1.615 




2.389 




0.S17 




0.264 










Total 


6.6T0 


7.945 


11.053 







ANALYSIS. 





contains — 


Chalybeate Springs. 


One pint 


No. 1. ' 
D. K. Tuttle, M. D. 


D. 


No. 3. 
K. Tuttle, M. D. 


Solids. 
Carbonate of potassa 


Grains. 
0.044 
0.095 
0.122 
0.009 
0.183 
0.023 
0.165 


Grains. 
0.095 
0.123 
0.138 
0.014 
0.104 
0.3S6 
0.114 




Carbonate of magnesia 


Carbonate of iron 7 




Sulphate of lime 








Total 


0.651 

Cubic in. 
3 


0.974 

Cubic in. 
2 


Gas. 
Carbonic acid 







For analysis of No. 2, see Sulphur-Waters. 



25: 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Properties. — The Alum Springs are beneficial in scrofula, 
chronic diarrhoea, eczema, and all skin-diseases depending on 
a scrofulous diathesis. 

The Chalybeate Springs, containing as they do consider- 
able carbonic acid, are agreeable to the taste. 

Remarks. — This is a very old and well-known resort, 
dating back to 1811. It takes the name from Erasmus 
Stribling, who first drew decided attention to the value of the 
waters, and made many improvements for the accommodation 
of the public. They are sometimes called the Augusta 
Springs. 

The springs are delightfully situated in a cool and salubri- 
ous locality. They enjoy the advantage of being protected to 
the northward by a range of mountains, which enables visitors 
to go earlier in the season, and remain later in the fall, than 
at many other Virginia watering-places. 

CHURCH HELL ALTIM SPRINGS. 



Location. — Not far from Richmond, Virginia. 








Post-Office. . 








Access. . 








Hotel.— -. 


ANALYSIS. 






One pint contains (J. C. Booth, M. D.) 




Solids. 


- 






Grains. 


Chloride of sodium 








. 0.578 


Sulphate of potassa 


. 








0.305 


Sulphate of soda 


. 








0.243 


Sulphate of magnesia 


. 








10.758 


Sulphate of lime 


. 








11.104 


Sulphate of ammonia 


. 








0.080 


Persulphate of sesquioxide of iron 








. 6.408 


Bisulphate of sesquioxide 


of iron 








10.419 


Sulphate of protoxide of iron . 








, 3.023 


Persulphate of alumina 


. 








9.116 


Silica . 


. 








1.303 


Phosphoric acid 


• 








trace. 


Total . 


53.337 






(1854, I 


J. S. 


Dk 


>pensatory.) 



CHALYBEATE WATEKS. 259 

BEDFORD ALUM SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Bedford Alum Springs, near New London, 
Bedford County, "Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 

and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, one hundred and ninety-three miles 

southwest, to Forest Depot; thence, four miles by stage to the springs. 

From Richmond, via Burkeville, one hundred and thirty-six miles ; via Gor- 

donsville, one hundred and sixty-nine miles to Forest Depot. 

Hotel. — Bedford Alum. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Prof. William Gilliam) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Sulphate of potassa .... 1.270 

Sulphate of magnesia ..... 1.583 

Sulphate of lime . . . . . 2.334 

Sulphate of alumina ..... .905 

Sulphate of protoxide of iron . . . 2.932 

Sulphuric acid (free) .... 2.497 



Total ..... 11.521 

Properties. — This is another of the valuable alum-waters 
of the same general character as the Rockbridge alum, though 
differing in containing a larger proportion of the salts of 
potassa, magnesia, lime, and iron, and a smaller amount of 
alumina. They have been found beneficial in scrofula, 
chronic diarrhoea, eczema, and diseases depending on an 
impoverished condition of the blood. A mass or extract is 
prepared from this water by evaporation, which, when dis- 
solved in water in proper proportions, is said to possess the 
remedial qualities of the water. 

Remarks. — This spring is located on the line dividing 
Campbell and Bedford Counties. It is within three hundred 
yards of the village of New London, of Revolutionary memory. 
Here stands the old court-house in which Patrick Henry made 
several of his finest efforts, among others the celebrated speech 
against the notorious Johnny Hook. These are the nearest 
springs to the Peaks of Otter, five thousand three hundred 
and seven feet above the sea — the highest peaks of the Blue 
Ridge, and by many considered the highest in Virginia. The 
ascent well repays the tourist. 



260 MINEKAL SPRINGS. 

VARIETY SPRINGS. 

Location. — Augusta County, Virginia. 

Access. — By Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. The springs are a station 
during the summer season, one hundred and seventy-three miles west from 
Washington, and two hundred and sixty-six miles southeast from Hunt- 
ington. 

Hotel. — Variety Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Prof. Wm. Gilham) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Chloride of sodium. . . . . 0.037 

Sulphate of potassa . . . . . 0.036 

Sulphate of magnesia . . . . 1.455 

Sulphate of alumina . .' ... 4.301 

Sulphate of protoxide of iron . . . 0.639 

Sulphate of lime . . . . .1.666 

Free sulphuric acid . . . . 0.171 

Silica . .' .' . .■ . 0.142 



Total . . . . . 8.447 

Properties. — This water, known as the "Alum Spring," 
bears a resemblance to the celebrated Rockbridge Alum, and 
may be used for the same diseases. 

Remarks. — Besides the above spring there are others, 
termed the All-Healing, the Sulphur, and the Chalybeate. 
From the number of different waters here the name " Variety" 
is derived. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

PURGATIVE WATERS. 

These waters are characterized by containing a large pro- 
portion either of sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts), or sul- 
phate of soda (Glauber's salts) ; and, as a consequence of these 
ingredients, they produce copious alvine dejections. They are 
bitter to the taste, and, in some classifications, are called bitter 
waters. 

Although many mineral waters act as an aperient, or laxa- 
tive, they do not produce active catharsis, and possess other 
qualities for which they are esteemed ; while these waters are 
used almost exclusively for the purgative effect. 

"Waters of this class are useful in all cases requiring active 
saline purgation, and are especially applicable . to persons of 
robust constitution, with tendency to abdominal plethora. 
They should be used with care, since constant use of saline 
purgatives produces decided derangement of the digestive 
organs. 

It is perhaps needless to say that the familiar name, Epsom 
salts, is derived from the name of the purging-well — Epsom, 
or Ebbesham — near London, of which sulphate of magnesia is 
the active ingredient. These waters, as a rule, act much more 
mildly than a simple solution of the active ingredient ; a re- 
sult due to the other ingredients present, such as the salts of 
lime and chloride of sodium. Those purgative waters are 
preferable which contain a considerable quantity of carbonic- 
acid gas. 

A subdivision of purgative waters, classed as alkaline-pur- 
gative waters, of which Carlsbad, in Bohemia, is a prominent 



262 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



example, does not readily produce purgation. The water, and 
those of like character, is applicable to a large class of diseases 
to which pure purgative waters are not adapted, such as func- 
tional and even organic disease of the liver, gastric catarrh, 
gout, gall-stones, etc. {See " Carlsbad," under " European- 
Spas.") 

ESTILL. SPRINGS. 

Location. — Estill County, Kentucky. 

Access. — From Cincinnati, via Kentucky Central Railroad, to Nicholas- 
ville, one hundred and twelve miles south; thence, via stage, about forty 
miles east, to Irvine. 

Hotel.- 





ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains 


(Robert Peter, M. D.) : 




Solids. 






Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


. . . 


0.321 


Carbonate of iron 






0.166 


Carbonate of lime 


, 


... 


3.841 


Chloride of sodium 






2.201 


Chloride of calcium 


, 


• . . 


0.211 


Sulphate of potassa 






0.313 


Sulphate of magnesia 


. 


. 


32.910 


Sulphate of lime 






3.987 


Silica 


. 


. 


0.503 


Loss 






10.736 


Total 


65.189 



Properties. — It will be seen that the Irvine Spring is 
largely impregnated with sulphate of magnesia, and there- 
fore decidedly purgative. 

(For sulphur spring, see " Sulphur "Waters." For cha- 
lybeate spring, see " Chalybeate Waters.") 



CRAB-ORCHARD SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office.— Crab Orchard, Lincoln County, Kentucky. 
Access.— From Louisville, via Knoxville branch of Louisville & Nashville 
Railroad, to Crab Orchard, one hundred and fifteen miles southeast. 
Hotel. . 



PURGATIVE WATERS. 



263 



ANALYSIS.^ 






One pint contains— 


Foley's Spring. 
R. Peter, M. D. 


Sowder's Spring. 
R. Peter, M. D. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.955 
trace. 
6.648 
2.216 
1.239 
7.384 

25.660 
1.349 

6*.40S 
4.323 


Grains. 
2.734 


Carbonate of iron 






3.6S9 


Chloride of sodium 


7.290 




2.172 


Sulphate of soda 


2.900 
21.789 


Sulphate of lime „ 


11.416 


Bromine 




Silica 


153 










Total 


50.1S2 
Not estimated. 


52.143 


Gas. 
Carbonic acid 









Properties. — These waters are chiefly used for the manu- 
facture of the Crab- Orchard Salts, produced by boiling down 
the water. Thousands of pounds of these salts are sold in 
the Western States. They prove much less irritant in their 
action than Epsom salts ; and, when taken in small and re- 
peated doses, are more likely to produce bilious evacuations. 
An analysis of a specimen is as follows : 



ANALYSIS. 
One hundred parts contain (R. Peter, M. D.) : 

Sulphate of magnesia ..... 

Sulphate of soda ..... 

Sulphate of potassa ..... 

Sulphate of lime ..... 

Chloride of sodium ..... 

Carbonates of lime, magnesia, iron, and silica 
Bromine ...... 

Water of crystallization and loss . 



Parts. 

63.19 
4.20 
1.80 
2.54 
4.11 
0.89 

trace. 

22.61 

100.00 



Total ..... 

Remarks. — The spring called Foley's, in the analysis, is 
usually termed Epsom. It is half a mile from the centre of 
the village, on the Fall Dick road. Sowder's Spring is about 
one mile and a half from Crab Orchard ; flow, two hundred 
gallons a day. 

1 "Geology of Kentucky," vol. ii., pp. 233-239. 



204 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



HAKRODSBTJRG SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Harrodsburg Springs, Mercer County, Ken- 
tucky. 

Access. — From Cincinnati, via Kentucky Central Railroad, to Nicholas- 
ville, one hundred and twelve miles south ; thence, via stage, about twenty- 
five miles. 

Hotel. — . 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 



Carbonate of magnesia. 

Carbonate of iron 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of sodium 

Sulphate of 
Sulphate of lime . 



Total 



Grenville Spring. 


Saloon Spring. 


Raymond. 


Raymond. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


. 2.87 . 


0.26 




0.36 


0.60 


2.99 


trace. 


1.24 


16.16 


27.92 


11.06 


10.24 



43.01 



Properties. — The principal characteristic of these springs 
is the sulphate of magnesia. This salt is cathartic ; but, in the 
presence of the almost equal amount of sulphate of lime, and, 
in the Saloon Spring, of the carbonate of iron, the action is 
considerably modified, and they are generally laxative. 

Dr. Drake, a man of admirable judgment, stated that 
" these waters are very beneficial in chronic inflammations and 
obstructions of the abdominal viscera ; in such cases of dys- 
pepsia as are attended with subacute gastritis ; and in almost 
every kind of hepatic disorder, except when the liver is in- 
durated and consequently incurable. They are almost equally 
beneficial in chronic inflammations of many other parts of the 
system, especially of the serous and fibrous membranes." 



BEDFORD SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Bedford Springs, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. 

Access. — From Huntingdon, a station on. the Pennsylvania Central Bail- 
road, two hundred and three miles west of Philadelphia, and via Broad Top 
Kailroad, fifty-two miles south to the springs. Or, from Cumberland, a sta- 
tion on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, one hundred and seventy-eight miles 
northwest from Baltimore, and via railroad lately finished, about forty miles 
north to the springs. 

Hotel. — Bedford Springs. 



PURGATIVE WATERS. 265 



ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains 


(58° Eahr. Dr. Church) : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of iron 


. . . . 


0.625 


Carbonate of lime . 


... 


1.000 


Chloride of sodium 


.... 


1.250 


Chloride of lime 


. . . 


0.375 


Sulphate of magnesia . 


.... 


10.000 


Sulphate of lime . . 


• . • 


1.875 


Loss . . . 


• ..*•• • • 


0.375 


Total . 


15.500 


Gas. 


Cubic inch. 


Carbonic acid • 


• • • • 


9.25 



Properties. — This valuable water is a purgative-chalybeate, 
bearing considerable resemblance in its properties to the cele- 
brated springs of Franzensbad, in Bohemia. The cathartic 
action of the water is so much modified by the large propor- 
tion of iron contained, that it can be taken for a considerable 
time without producing other effect than that of a laxative 
diuretic, and diaphoretic. The diuretic action of the water is 
very marked. 

The waters are decidedly valuable in all cases of anmmia, 
accompanied by abdominal plethora. In engorgement of the 
liver they give decided relief, and in gravel and calculus they 
are useful. Dyspepsias, accompanied with constipation in 
ansernic subjects, are subject to their remedial action. 

Remarks. — -These springs are beautifully situated in a 
valley of the eastern range of the Alleghany Mountains. The 
waters break forth from a fissure in the limestone-rock at the 
base of a mountain-spur. From the spring, terraced walks 
lead upward in every direction to the summit, whence a most 
beautiful and extended view of the valley and the town of 
Bedford is obtained. 

The hotel accommodations are extensive, and the proprie- 
tors have made arrangements for* supplying baths of every 
description. About two hundred yards distant from the main 
spring is a sulphur-spring which evolves considerable sulphu- 
retted hydrogen. It is said to contain no iron. 



266 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



BEER SPRINGS. 



Location. , Oregon. 












Hotel. . 

ANALYSIS. 




One pint 
Solids. 


contains — 


Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


1.61 


Carbonate of lime 


. • « 


. 1.93 


Chloride of sodium 


. • . 


1.12 


Chloride of magnesium . 


. 


. 0.56 


Chloride of calcium : 


. 


0.67 


Sulphate of magnesia 


. 


. 6.05 


Sulphate of lime 


. 


1.06 


Vegetable extractive matter 


• 


. 0.42 



Total 



13.42 



MIDLAND WELD. 

Location and Post-Office. — Midland, Midland County, Michigan. 
Access. — From Detroit via Detroit & Milwaukee and Flint & Pere Mar- 
quette Railroads, one hundred and twenty miles north, to Midland. 
Hotels. — Empire, St. Nicholas, International. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (47° Fahr. S. P. Duffield, 


M.I) 


•): 


Solids. 




Grains. 


Chloride of sodium .... 


. 


3.405 


Chloride of magnesium . 




0.228 


Chloride of calcium .... 


. 


0.647 


Sulphate of potassa . . . 




8.559 


Sulphate of soda 


. 


2.298 


Sulphate of lime . 




0.464 


Phosphate of alumina .... 


. 


0.180 


Silica 




0.308 


Organic matter .... 


. 


0.257 


Loss ...... 




0.334 



Total 



16.680 



Properties. — This is a purgative water, its action being 
chiefly due to the sulphate of potassa, a laxative salt, not used 
in modern medicine, but known and much used in the middle 
ages as Polychrestus salt, or Paracelsus's Specific. The waters 



PURGATIVE WATERS. 267 

are valuable of the class, but observation is necessary to de- 
termine their special indications. 

Remarks. — The well is located in the town of Midland, 
the county-seat of Midland County, on the Tittibawassee 
River. The flow is about two gallons per minute. Good 
facilities for bathing have been provided. 

ELGIN SPRING. 

Location. — Addison County, Vermont. 

Post-Office. — Vergennes, Addison County, Vermont. 

Access. — Go to Vergennes, a station on the Vermont Central Railroad, 
twenty-one miles south of Burlington, and ninety-nine miles north of Bellows 
Falls ; thence, three miles south by stage. 

Hotel. . 

A qualitative analysis by 0. L. Allen, M. D., given in the 
" Geology of Vermont," is as follows : In one pint there are 
about thirty grains of solids, of which the principal element is 
sulphate of magnesia. There are also carbonate of soda, car- 
bonate of lime, sulphate of soda, sulphate of iron, and car- 
bonic-acid gas, five cubic inches to the pint. The water is a 
good cathartic. 



CHAPTER XV. 

CALCIC WATERS. 

These waters contain the salts of lime as principal con- 
stituents, usually in the form either of the sulphate (gypsum) 
or the carbonate (limestone). In addition, the alkaline carbon- 
ates and carbonic-acid gas are sometimes found in consider- 
able proportion. The waters are usually limpid, and possess 
but little taste, though an exception is met with in the Sweet 
Springs of Virginia. 

Lime exists in the human body in considerable quantity. It 
is estimated there are two pounds of this substance in the bones 
of the adult, combined with phosphoric acid, forming a phos- 
phate. It also enters into the composition of the blood, saliva, 
muscles, nerves, and other organs. It is eliminated by the 
kidneys as a carbonate or phosphate, and in certain diseases 
of the nervous system the quantity excreted is much increased. 

No exact investigations have been made concerning the 
physiological action of calcic waters. As a rule, they increase 
the excretion of urine, and promote perspiration. They usual- 
ly prove constipating, though, when taken in large quantities, 
they may cause purgation in some persons. On the skin and 
mucous membrane they seem to possess an astringent and ex- 
siccating action, which Buchheim thinks is due to a chemical 
combination of lime with fatty acid. Upon the urinary appa- 
ratus they possess a sedative action. 

These waters, especially those rich in carbonate of lime 
and carbonic acid, prove decidedly beneficial in diseases of the 
urinary apparatus, such as catarrh of the bladder, gravel, and 
calculus, and are even preferable to alkaline-waters. That 



CALCIC WATERS. 



269 



waters containing a large proportion of the salts of lime 
should be useful in calculus, may seem paradoxical ; neverthe- 
less, such is the fact. 1 It is probably due to their diuretic ac- 
tion, and the influence of the lime on the inflamed mucous 
•membrane of the bladder and urinary passages. They are not 
solvents of the stone. These waters are also useful in gastral- 
gic dyspepsia. The waters included under this class, contain- 
ing considerable alkaline carbonates, prove valuable in cases 
of diabetes mellitus. 



BUTTERWOETH SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan. 
Access. — Grand Rapids is a station on the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, 
one hundred and fifty-eight miles northwest from Detroit. 
Hotels. — Rathbun, Eagle, Sweet's. 



ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains (54 Fahr.° 


S. P. Duffield) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


0.434 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 0.432 


Carbonate of iron . 


0.088 


Carbonate of lime . . . 


. 0.T24 


Chloride of potassium 


1.227 


Chloride of sodium . . 


. 1.591 


Chloride of magnesium . . 


5.232 


Chloride of calcium 


. 0.763 


Sulphate of lime . . , 


9.392 


Silica ..... 


. 0.064 


Alumina .... 


0.051 


Organic matter and loss 


-. 0.083 


Total 


20.081 



Properties. — This calcic water much resembles, in chemi- 
cal constitution, the waters of Bath, England, with the excep- 
tion of the exceedingly large proportion of chloride of mag- 
nesium which it contains. 

Remarks— The city of Grand Rapids is at the head of 
navigation on the Grand River, about forty miles from its 
mouth. At this point the river is three hundred yards wide, 
1 See Carbonate of Lime. 



270 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



and falls eighteen feet in a mile. The population is over six- 
teen thousand. 

The spring is located on Huron Street, near the centre of 
the city. Adjoining is a commodious bath-house, with suites 
of rooms on separate floors for ladies and gentlemen. 



EATON-RAPIDS WELLS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, Michigan. 

Access. — From the east take Great Western Railroad of Canada to De- 
troit ; thence, Michigan Central Railroad to Jackson; thence, via Grand- 
River Valley Railroad, to Eaton Rapids, twenty-four miles northwest of 
Jackson. From east and south go to Toledo; thence, via Lake Shore & 
Michigan Southern Railroad, to Jackson; thence as above. From Chicago 
and the west take Michigan Central Railroad to Jackson; thence as de- 
scribed. 

Hotels. — Vaughan House, Frost House, Eaton-Rapids House, Central 
Hotel. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


2 

o 


.'1 

fe ■ 
|° 

w «^ 

2 




if 

S3 « 

d 


go- 
's « 

"1 


Solids. 

Carbonate of potassa 

Carbonate of soda 


Grains. 

0!949 
0.248 
4.816 
0.959 

0i483 

l!639 
0.094 


Grains. 

0.159 
1.446 
0.480 
0.154 
2.592 
0.112 

6!6l6 

trace. 
0.175 

o!ii2 


Grains. 
0.144 
0.672 
0.565 
0.125 
2.429 
0.112 

5!645 
trace. 
0.317 

o!io6 


Grains. 
*0'.542 

0."292 

l 

l'iii 

0.978 
5.748 


Grains. 
0.284 
0.472 




0.622 




0.203 


Carbonate of lime 


3.513 


Chloride of anrHnm, , , 


0.187 










Sulphate of lime 


7.187 


Nitrate of ammonia 








Silica 


0.250 










Total 


9.188 

Cub. in. 
2.32 


11.246 

Cub. in. 

2 
trace. 


10.115 

Cub. in. 
1.92 
trace. 


8.871 

Cubic in. 
2 


12.718 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 
2 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 





Properties. — These waters possess the usual qualities of 
calcic waters, and, at the same time, from the presence of a 

1 In this analysis, carbonate of soda and chloride of sodium together amount to 0.542 
grains. 



CALCIC WATERS. 



271 



proportion of alkaline carbonates, partake of the properties 
of alkaline waters. In the French classification they belong 
to the mixed bicarbonates. 1 The analysis of these wells was 
made before the insertion of the final tubing, and it is sup- 
posed the water analyzed contained a notable proportion of 
surface-water. 

Remarks. — The town of Eaton Rapids is pleasantly situ- 
ated on Grand River, and, since the discovery of the wells in 
1869-'70, has grown rapidly. 

Every facility for baths in every form may be found here, 
several of the wells being directly connected with the hotels. 

LESLIE WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Leslie, Ingham County, Michigan. 

Access. — From Detroit, via Michigan Central Railroad, seventy-six miles 
west, to Jackson ; thence, fifteen miles north, via Jackson, Lansing & Sagi- 
naw Railroad, to Leslie. 

Hotel. . 

ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (Prof. R. C. Kedzie) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of potassa .... 0.359 

Carbonate of soda ..... 0.380 

Carbonate of magnesia .... 0.650 

Carbonate of iron ..... 0.171 

Carbonate of lime ..... 2.214 

Sulphate of lime ..... 0.733 

Silica . ... . . 0.216 

Organic matter . . . . 0.067 

Total ..... 4.790 

Gas. Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid ...... 1.68 

Properties. — This is a calcic water, containing almost suffi- 
cient iron to entitle it to be classed with the chalybeates, and, 
consequently, is especially applicable to those cases in which 
a calcic water is needed, and in which anagmia is an indica- 
tion for the administration of iron. 



1 See Magnetism.. 



272 . MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Remarks. — Leslie is an enterprising town of about one 
thousand inhabitants. The proprietors of the well have pro- 
vided a bath-house adjoining. 

HUBBARDSTON WELL. 

Location and Post-Office. — Hubbardston, Ionia County, Michigan. 
Access. — From Detroit, via Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, to Pewamo, one 
hundred and thirteen miles northwest ; thence, six miles and a half by stage. 
Hotel. . 

ANALYSIS 

One pint contains (Prof. P. H. Douglass) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia .... 0.194: 

Carbonate of lime ..... 2.067 

Protoxide of iron ..... 0.019 

Silica 0.017 

. Total ...... 2.897 

Remarks. — The proprietors have erected a bath-house at 
the well. 

YELLOW SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Yellow Springs, Greene County, Ohio. 
Access. — Yellow Springs is a station on the Little Miami Railroad, seventy- 
four miles north of Cincinnati. 
Hotel.— Neff House Park. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (52° Fahr. Wayne and Locke) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of lime . . ... 2.446 

Chloride of.sodium . . . . . . . 0.019 

Chloride of magnesium .... 0.021 

Chloride of calcium .' . . . 0.193 

Sulphate of lime ..... 0.169 

Oxide of iron ..... 0.049 

Organic matter . . ... None. 



Total . . . . . 2.897 

Properties. — This water is diuretic, and sometimes laxative. 
The union of a proportion of iron with the other ingredients 
imparts tonic qualities. The water is a good one, and popular 
in the section of country where it is located. 



CALCIC WATERS. 



273 



Remarks. — Yellow Springs are beautifully situated on the 
banks of tbe Little Miami River, which here clears a passage 
between precipitous banks, fifty feet high, known as the Cliifs. 
The surrounding country is undulating, and attractive drives 
lead in every direction ; those to Cedars, Springfield, Xenia, 
and Clifton (which gives a charming view of the Falls of the 
Miami), are particularly delightful 



GETTYSBURG SPRINGS. 

Location. — Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania. 

Access. — From Baltimore, via Northern Central Railroad, forty-seven miles 

north, to Hanover Junction; thence, thirty miles west, to Gettysburg ; thence, 

by street-railroad or omnibus, to the springs. 

Hotel. — Gettysburg. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Prof. F. A. Genth) 



Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 




0.027 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


. 0.041 


Carbonate of iron . 


. . . 


0.003 


Carbonate of manganese 




. 0.001 


Carbonate of lime . 


* * 


0.627 


Chloride of sodium 


. . 


. 0.082 


Chloride of lithium 


• • 


trace. 


Sulphate of potassa 


• • 


. 0.026 


Sulphate of soda . 


. • 


0.308 


Sulphate of magnesia . 


. . , 


. 0.847 


Sulphate of lime . 


. 


0.104 


Phosphate of lime 


. 


. 0.001 


Fluoride of calcium 


. 


0.001 


Borate of magnesia 


, 8 


0.004 


Silicic acid . 


• • • 


0.254 


Organic matter, with trace of nitric acid, etc. 


\ 0.088 


Impurities suspended in 


the water, like clay, e 


tc. . 0.138 



Total 



2.552 



In addition, minute quantities of carbonate of copper, sulphate of stron- 
tia, alumina, and traces of carbonate of nickel, carbonate of cobalt, and 
sulphate of baryta. (1873.) 

Properties. — This water is clear, inodorous, and tasteless. 
As will be seen by the analysis, it partakes both of an alkaline 



274 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

and calcic character, though the salts of lime predominate. 
The combination is an exceedingly valuable one, and produces 
good results. The water has proved beneficial in gravel, cal- 
culus, catarrh of the bladder, catarrh of the stomach, and 
dyspepsia. It is said to be efficient in gout and rheumatism, 
and that chalk-stone concretions of the joints have been re- 
moved by its use. The dose of the water in the majority of 
cases is a gill three times a day, though in some instances it 
is recommended to commence with a very much larger a t uan- 
tity, and gradually diminish the dose. The water has been 
named Katalysine water by the proprietors of the spring. 

Remarks. — These springs break forth in a picturesque 
valley, a few miles west of the town of Gettysburg. Within 
view are the Catoctin and South Mountains. The immediate 
vicinity of the springs was the scene of the commencement of 
the battle of Gettysburg. The value of the water was long 
known to the neighboring inhabitants, but it has only been 
brought to public notice within a few years. The bottled 
water is largely sold throughout the country. 

CLARENDON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Clarendon Springs, Rutland County, Vermont. 

Access. — Go to West Rutland, a station on the Rensselaer & Saratoga 

Railroad, four miles from Rutland ; thence, four miles by stage, to the 

springs. 

Hotel. — Clarendon House. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (50° Pahr. A. A. Hayes, M. D.) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of lime . . . . 0.38 

Muriate of lime \ 

Sulphate of soda \ . . . . 0.34 

Sulphate of magnesia ) 

Total 0.72 

Gases. Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid . . . . . ^.^Y 

Nitrogen ...... 1-20 

Properties. — This is a water, the reputed efficacy of which 
is not accounted for by the solid ingredients shown by the 



CALCIC WATERS. 275 

analysis. The water is remarkable as containing a consider- 
able proportion of free nitrogen gas, an unusual constituent. 
It also contains a large proportion of carbonic-acid gas, render- 
ing it acceptable to the stomach. It is used as a remedy in 
gravely dyspepsia, and engorgement of the liver. 

Remarks. — These springs have been a favorite resort since 
the early settlement of the country, and are among the first 
ever visited. 

An extract from the c< Geology of Vermont " runs thus : 
" Tradition informs us that their medicinal virtues were first 
discovered in 1776 by one^ Asa Smith, who resided in the 
eastern part of the township. He is reported to have 
* dreamed ' of a spring in the western part of the town, and 
full of faith started through the wilderness, and over the high 
hills that separate the two portions of the town, in search of 
the spring that would furnish water that should restore him to 
health. Arriving at the spot, he recognized it as the one he 
had seen in his dream, and accordingly at once drank the 
water, and bound clay saturated with it on his swollen and in- 
flamed limbs." The man is said to have been healed of his 
malady, and thenceforth the water has enjoyed considerable 
reputation. 

The springs are delightfully situated amid the green hills 
of Vermont, at an elevation of eight hundred feet above the 
level of the sea. 

SWEET SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office.— Sweet Springs, Monroe County, West Vir- 
ginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Alleghany Station, two hundred and 
forty-one miles west; thence, ten miles by stage to the springs. From Rich- 
mond, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Alleghany Station, two hundred 
and twenty-one miles west. From the west, via Cincinnati and Ohio River, to 
Huntington, one hundred and sixty-five miles east; thence, via Chesapeake 
& Ohio Railroad, one hundred and ninety-eight miles southeast, to Alleghany 
Station. 

Hotel. — Sweet Springs. 
13 



21Q 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 





ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains 


(74°Fahr. Prof. W. B. 


Rogers) : 


Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 




0.103 


Carbonate of lime . 


. 


3.757 


Chloride of sodium 


• • • 


. 0.017 


Chloride of magnesium 




0.039 


Chloride of calcium 


• 


. 0.018 


Sulphate of soda . 


. . . 


0.793 


Sulphate of magnesia 


• • . 


. 1.174 


Sulphate of lime . 


. 


1.646 


Peroxide of iron 


• • > 


. 0.018 


Iodine 




. trace. 


Earthy phosphates 


• • . 


trace. 


Silica 


• 


0.021 


Total . 


. 7.586 


Gas. 




Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 


. . 


11.00 



Properties. — These are valuable calcic waters, containing 
a small proportion of purging sulphate, and a large amount of 
carbonic-acid gas. They are promptly diuretic and diaphoretic 
as a rule, and seldom purgative, the laxative action of the sul- 
phate of magnesia being controlled by the salts of lime. The 
water much resembles that of Pougues, department of Nievre, 
France. 

The taste of this water is sweet, and the reaction alkaline. 
In August, 1871, I took the temperature of the drinking-foun- 
tain, and found it 74° Fahr. The temperature of the baths 
nearly corresponds. This water, therefore, is, strictly speak- 
ing, a thermal water. The flow of the water is about twelve 
hundred gallons per minute — quite a mill-race. 

These waters are a valuable therapeutic agent. In dys 
pepsia^ depending on atonic conditions, they will undoubtedly 
afford relief, especially in those cases attended with gastralgia. 
In sterility unaccompanied by obstruction, the water has fre- 
quently proved efficacious, no doubt by the stimulant effect 
exercised on the generative organs by the carbonic acid in 
the bath. But especially is the water valuable in gravel. 
Dr. Woodville, for many years resident at the springs, in- 



CALCIC WATERS. 211 

formed me that he had never known a case that was not bene- 
fited. Its efficacy in gravel appears reasonable, from the fact 
that the water of Pougues, which it resembles, has long had a 
well-merited reputation in this malady. It may be stated that 
the Pougues water is applicable by preference to phosphatic 
gravel accompanying catarrhal conditions of the urinary appa- 
ratus, and this water proves of especial service when catarrhal 
trouble predominates. 

The waters are largely used in the form of a bath. The 
bath-building is a large brick structure, separated into two com- 
partments. The baths are each about sixty by thirty feet, 
and continually replenished by the spring-water, which, fresh 
from the depths of the earth, breaks forth all over the sandy 
bottom. As before stated, the temperature of this bath is 
about 74:° Fahr., but on first immersion it feels cooler. The 
first bath should not exceed three minutes. After becoming 
accustomed to the shock, one ma} r remain from five to eight 
minutes, though long immersion is not desirable. 

Remarks. — The springs are situated in one of the most 
charming valleys. Dr, Burke, in his work on "Virginia 
Springs," says : " This vale, about five miles in length, and 
of an average of about half a mile in width, bounded on the 
north by the Alleghany, and on the south by the Sweet Springs 
Mountain, may, without disparagement of other beautiful val- 
leys, be denominated the Tempe of Virginia." 

The hotel is large and commodious, and with the long line 
of villa-like brick cottages, sweeping around a semicircle of 
one-fourth of a mile, and terminated by the tasteful bath- 
building facing the hotel, forms a pleasing picture. The 
neighboring forests abound in delightful walks, and for the 
sportsman deer and trout are easily accessible. The society 
is of those who admire elegance more than display. 

The Red Sweet Springs (chalybeate) are but one mile dis- 
tant. 

BERKELEY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office Address. — Bath, Morgan County, West Virginia. 
Access. — Take cars at any point on the Baltimore & Ohio Kailroad, and go 



21$ 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



to Sir John's Run, a station one hundred and thirty miles west of Baltimore, 
on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad ; thence, two and a half miles by stage, to 
the springs. 



;el. — Berkeley Springs. 








ANALT 


One pint contains 


(74° 


Fahr. A. A. Hayes, M. D.) : 


Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of lime 




0.625 


Chloride of sodium 




. 0.112 


Chloride of calcium 




0.026 


Sulphate of magnesia . 




. 0.045 


Crenate of lime 




0.455 


Crenate of iron 




. 0.010 


Silicate of iron 




0.080 


Loss 




. 0.008 


Total 


1.361 



Flow, twelve hundred gallons per minute. 

Properties. — -Strictly speaking, these are thermal waters, 
used chiefly in the form of baths. Employed in this way they 
have proved of decided value in neuralgia, and in cases of de- 
bility they are a most admirable restorative, when the system 
reacts well. 

For the purpose of bathing every facility is presented. 
The flow of water is exceedingly abundant, the stream there- 
from supplying several mills in its way down the valley. 
This large supply has been utilized so as to furnish baths of 
every description. There is a gentlemen's and a ladies' bath- 
house, with numerous private baths ; a gentlemen's swimming- 
bath, sixty by twenty feet, and five feet deep, containing over 
fifty thousand gallons of water ; a ladies' swimming-bath, thirty 
by sixteen feet, and four and a half feet deep. Also, a sepa- 
rate establishment for warm, spout, and shower baths. 

Remarks. — These springs, four in number, issue from the 
base of the Warm Springs Ridge. The mountain-side is 
clothed with a dense forest, which is permeated in every direc- 
tion by enticing walks. The springs are respectively named 
the " Gentlemen's Spring," covered by a pavilion, supported 
by ten columns, and having a spacious lounging-room above for 
gentlemen; " Lord Fairfax's Spring," and the "Ladies' Spring," 



CALCIC WATERS. 279 

also surmounted by a pavilion and open above, for occupation 
by visitors or the band. The fourth spring is a small one. 

These springs possess an historic interest. The original 
title was vested in Thomas, Lord Fairfax, who made a grant 
of a few acres of land, with the springs, to the State, reserv- 
ing to his own use one spring, still known as "Lord Fairfax's 
Spring." In colonial times the gentry assembled here, and, in 
a rude way, enjoyed the pleasures of the wildwood and the 
luxury of the baths. Log-huts and tents formed the only shel- 
ter. The day was passed in horse-racing, hunting, fishing, 
rambles through the forests, and, at certain hours, in bathing. 
The pool was a hollow formed in the sand, and screened by a 
thatching of interwoven boughs of the pines. At a certain 
predetermined signal from a tin horn, the gentlemen retired 
while the ladies bathed ; and by a similar device the gentlemen 
occupied the bath. " Peeping Toms " were dealt with unmer- 
cifully. At night, fiddling and dancing were indulged in by the 
young, under the cheerful illumination of pine-knots and tal- 
low-dips ; while the elders, under the exhilaration of pure "rye," 
recounted stories of the chase, arranged races for the coming 
day, and exchanged money at the magic call of the cards. 

In 1777, by virtue of an act of the Assembly of the Com- 
monwealth of Virginia, a town by the name of Bath was laid 
out, General George Washington being one of the purchasers. 
This property is named in his will in the following terms : 
" Two well-situated and handsome buildings, to the amount 
of £150 ; " and in a note thereto we find the following : 
" The lots in Bath (two adjoining) cost me, to the best of my 
recollection, between fifty and sixty pounds, twenty years ago. 
Whether property there has increased or decreased in value, 
and in what condition the houses are, I am ignorant, but sup- 
pose they are not valued too high." 

ALLEGHANY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Alleghany Springs, Montgomery County, Vir- 
ginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Kailroad, 



w 



280 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Alleghany Station, two hundred and 
fifty-four miles southwest ; thence, three and a half miles by stage to the 
springs. From the south and west, via Chattanooga, Knoxville & Virginia, 
and Tennessee Railroads, to Alleghany Station. 
Hotel. — Alleghany Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (53° Fahr. F. A. Genth, M. D.) : 
Solids. 
Carbonate of magnesia 



Carbonate of iron 
Carbonate of manganese 
Carbonate of lime 
Carbonate of lithia 
Carbonate of strontia . 
Carbonate of baryta 
Chloride of sodium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda 
Sulphate of magnesia 
Sulphate of lime 
Phosphate of alumina 
Nitrate of magnesia 
Nitrate of ammonia 
Fluoride of calcium 
Silicate of alumina 
Silicic acid 
Organic matter . 



Total ...... 19.057 

Gases Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid ...... 1.20 

Sulphuretted hydrogen .... trace. 

Dr. Genth also finds minute quantities of carbonate of 



Grains. 
0.037 
0.016 
0.006 
0.376 
trace. 
0.006 
0.002 
0.028 
0.385 
0.178 
5.299 
12.007 
0.002 
0.335 
0.058 
0.002 
0.021 
0.091 
0.208 



copper, 



lead, zinc, and 



cobalt ; also teroxide of antimony and 
crenic acid and epocrenic acid. These constituents were not 
derived directly from the spring-water, but were detected in 
the deposit which forms in the spring reservoir. The flow of 
the water is about one-fourth gallon per minute. The taste is 
pleasant, without odor or flavor of sulphuretted hydrogen. 

Properties. — It will be seen from the analysis that the 
chief constituents of this water are the sulphates of lime and 
magnesia, a combination seldom met with. It is allied, by 



CALCIC WATERS. 281 

the large proportion of sulphate of magnesia, to purgative 
waters. As might be expected from this combination, the 
action of the water is both purgative and diuretic, when taken 
in considerable quantity. In moderate quantity, however, this 
action is not marked, the cathartic action of the sulphate of 
magnesia being controlled by the constipating tendency of the 
sulphate of lime. The play of the other constituents, of 
which Dr. Genth has found so great a number, cannot be 
estimated. 

This water is very highly esteemed in the treatment of the 
various types of dyspepsia, and it is in this disease that it 
numbers the most important cures. It has also proved valua- 
ble in engorgement of the liner, gall-stones, and habitual con- 
stipation. 

Remarks. — The Alleghany Springs are situated on the 
Roanoke River, at the eastern foot of the Alleghany Moun- 
tains. The hotel and principal cottages occupy smooth and 
undulating hills, while, on either hand, the lofty spurs of the 
Alleghanies present attractive mountain-scenery. In every 
direction the visitor finds opportunity for the enjoyment of 
mountain-climbing and mountain-air. Five miles from the 
springs is Fisher's View, where an extended panorama of 
mountain-summits is presented to the eye. Eight miles from 
the springs are Puncheon Hun Falls, also a point of consider- 
able interest. 

BETHESDA SPRINGS. 1 

Location and Post-Office. — Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin. 
Access. — Waukesha is a station on the Prairie du Chien division of the 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, twenty-one miles west of Milwaukee. 
Hotels. — Exchange, American, Fox Eiver House, National. 

Properties. — It will be seen from the analysis that these 
waters contain 1.027 grain of carbonate of soda and magne- 
sia, and 1.478 grain of carbonate of lime, to the pint. They 
are, therefore, closely allied to the alkaline waters, though the 
calcareous salt is slightly in excess. The waters, as is usual 

See Analysis, page 282. 



28: 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



with this class, are decidedly diuretic, and have proved ex- 
ceedingly efficient in diabetes mellitus, gravel, calculus, and 
chronic inflammation and catarrh of the bladder. They are 
also palliative in albuminuria or Bright's disease, and by the 
increased flow of urine relieve dropsy. 

The usual quantity taken is eight to ten glasses a day for 
the first three or four days, and then reduce the quantity ac- 
cording to the effect on the urine. In diabetes mellitus, the 
usual restrictions as to saccharine and amylaceous diet are 
to be observed. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains 


(60°Pahr. C. F. Chan 


dler) : 


Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of soda . , 




0.109 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


. 0.918 


Carbonate of iron . 




0.004 


Carbonate of lime . 


* 


. 1.4T8 


Chloride of sodium , 




0.145 


Sulphate of potassa 


• . 


. 0.057 


Sulphate of soda . , 




0.068 


Phosphate of soda 


. 


trace. 


Alumina 




0.015 


Silica . . . • 


• 


. 0.092 


Organic matter 




0.248 


Total . 


. 3.134 



Remarks. — Waukesha, an Indian name, signifying " Little 
Fox," is a pleasantly-shaded village on the banks of the Little 
Fox River. The population numbers about three thousand 
five hundred. The climate is cool and refreshing during the 
summer months. At a distance of six to ten miles from the 
village, at Pewaukee, Nashota, Delafield, Merton, and Ocono- 
mowoc, are several lakes much resorted to for delightful drives 
and fine sport. 

HOLSTON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Holston Springs, Scott County, Virginia. 

Access* — From Washington via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Kailroad, 
and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, to Abingdon, three hundred and sixty- 
eight miles southwest ; thence forty miles northwest, by stage, to the springs. 

Hotel. — Holston Springs. 



CALCIC WATEES. 



283 



ANALYSIS. 
(68i£° Eahr. Prof. Hayden) : 



One pint contains 
Solids. 
Carbonate of lime . 

Chloride of sodium and muriate of ammonia 
Sulphate of soda . 
Sulphate of magnesia . . ♦ 

Sulphate of lime • . 

Sulphate of alumjna • . , 

Phosphate of alumina , , . 



Grains. 

.80 

.19 

trace. 

1.59 

2.56 

trace. 

trace. 



Total 



5.14 



CHAPTER XVL 

THERMAL WATERS. 

All waters possessing an unvarying temperature of 85° 
Fahr., or above, are included under this designation. I use 
the term thermal in the sense of heat as indicated by the 
sensations of the body ; although, geologically speaking, "all 
springs are considered warm, or thermal, the temperature 
of which exceeds, however little, the mean annual tempera- 
ture of the place at which they rise." Accordingly, a spring 
of a certain degree would be called warm in Iceland and cold 
at the equator. Waters of 85° Fahr. will convey a sensation 
of warmth to the hand of most persons on first immersion, 
though if the entire body were placed in the water a feeling 
of chilliness might be experienced. Waters of from 70° to 
85° Fahr. may be termed temperate, from 85° to 92° Fahr. 
they are tepid, from 92° to 98° they are warm, and from 
98° Fahr. upward they are hot — all, except the first, included 
under the term thermal. In one or two instances springs 
below 85° Fahr. have been introduced in this class, being 
above the temperature of cold springs, 70° Fahr., and not pos- 
sessing decided chemical constituents. 

Thermal waters are chiefly used for bathing, and in this 
their efficacy mainly consists in the majority of instances. 
These waters sometimes contain considerable carbonic-acid 
gas, sulphuretted hydrogen, or even chloride of sodium, or the 
alkaline carbonates ; but, as a rule, they yield but a very small 
proportion of mineral ingredients. The manner of using the 
different kinds of tepid, warm, and hot waters, is discussed in 
the chapter on baths, under the respective titles. 



THERMAL WATERS. 285 

It has been questioned whether there is a difference be- 
tween the heat of mineral waters and artificial heat. Former- 
ly, many held the affirmative, and there are not wanting* those 
who still hold this view. But there are no observations 
that show any actual difference, and those who have investi- 
gated the matter in late years have decided in the negative. 1 
This being so, why are hot or warm mineral waters more ac- 
tive medicinal agents than artificially-heated water ? In some 
instances the waters are highly charged with gases, or contain 
considerable mineral ingredients, but, aside from this, the 
uniform and continuous temperature of the water distin- 
guishes it from ordinary hot water. The latter is often not 
uniformly heated throughout, and from the time it is passed 
into the tub is decreasing in temperature, or, if heated by 
steam in the tub, is alternating each moment from one degree 
of heat to another, while in large pools at the hot springs the 
water remains of the same temperature continually. It may 
be added that it is impossible to arrange hot spout and douche 
baths at home equal to those of the springs. Another advan- 
tage is that of specialty. The attendants, the physician, and 
every one connected with the springs' baths, acquire dexterity 
and precision in their application, which is of great advantage 
to the invalid. However we may explain their action, the 
fact remains of their efficacy. 

These waters are exceedingly beneficial in the treatment 
of chronic rheumatism and gout, especially when associated 
with stiffening of the joints and concretions. In certain irri- 
table conditions of the nervous system they produce a calm- 
ing effect, and in neuralgia depending on injuries or inflam- 
mation of the nervous sheaths, they are often curative. In 
paraplegia, not organic, and in which the muscles are excit- 
able by electricity, the use of these waters often wonderfully 
hastens a cure ; and the same observation may be made of 

1 In a letter to the author, Prof. John TyndalL of the Eoyal Institution of Great Britain, 
than whom there is no higher living authority on heat, writes as follows : " I am not 
acquainted with any difference between natural heat and artificial heat. I am not 
acquainted with any thermo-electric conditions that could cause any perceptible difference 
between the therapeutic action of natural hot water and artificial hot-water " 



286 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

other forms of paralysis, excepting hemiplegia, for which 
saline waters are preferable. In many of the scaly diseases of 
the shin, such as psoriasis, lichen, etc., they are a most efficient 
auxiliary in the treatment. They also form a desirable ad- 
juvant in the treatment of syphilis by the metamorphosis of 
tissue which they produce, aiding and rendering more certain 
the action of other remedies. 

In treatment of affections of the joints the water must be 
quite warm, and local frictions should be used. Care should 
be taken that persons affected with organic diseases of the 
heart are not treated by hot baths. 



HOT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office.— Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas. 

Access. — Go to Little Rock, one hundred and thirty-five miles west from 
Memphis, by Memphis & Little Rock Railroad, or by steamboat on the 
Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers during navigable seasons; thence, fifty 
miles west, by railroad, to the springs. Also by steamboat on the Ouachita 
River to Arkadelphia ; thence thirty-five miles' staging. 

Hotels. — Hot Springs, Aikin, Earle, Hale, Rector, Warren. 



Solids 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of lime 
Chloride of sodium 
Sulphate of potassa 
Sulphate of soda . 
Sulphate of lime 
Sesquioxide of iron 
Iodine . 
Bromine 
Silicate of lime 
Silica 
Alumina 
Organic matter 
Water . 



ANALYSIS. 
One pint contains (93°-150° Fahr.) 



Grains. 
0.016 
0.496 
0.001 
0.029 
0.047 
0.014 
0.013 
trace, 
trace. 
0.058 
0.233 
0.056 
0.088 
0.018 



Total 1-069 

The above analysis is the result of calculating the follow- 



THERMAL WATERS. 



287 



ing percentages as given by Prof. E. Hills Larkin, who ana- 
lyzed the waters in 1859 ; and combination of the elements 
according to approved formulae : 



Mineral constituents, 8^- grains per gallon. 



Silicic acid 

Sesqui oxide of iron 

Alumina 

Lime 

Magnesia . 

Chlorine 

Carbonic acid 

Organic matter 

Water 

Sulphuric acid . 

Potassa 

Soda . 

Iodine and bromine 

Total 



Percentage. 

24.74 

1.21 

5.15 

. 28.83 

.IB 

.07 

21.36 

8.31 

1.72 

4.49 

1.46 

2.01 

trace. 

. 100.08 



These waters resemble the waters of Gastein, in Austria, 
and Pfaffers, in Switzerland. 

Properties. — They are very highly esteemed, and deserv- 
edly so, in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, gout, con- 
tractions of joints, secondary and tertiary syphilis, and neu- 
ralgia. In paralysis, unaccompanied by organic lesions, they 
are of considerable utility. As auxiliaries, in dartrous dis- 
eases of the skin, functional diseases of the uterus, and chronic 
poisoning by metals — either lead or mercury — they are effi- 
cient. Experience proves them to be positively injurious in 
affections of the heart or brain, dropsies, and diseases of the 
lungs in any form ; and persons laboring under diseases for 
which these waters are beneficial, but accompanied by such 
maladies, need not journey to the Hot Springs. 

How do these waters act ? Principally, if not altogether, 
by elevated temperature. Having a continuous flow of three 
hundred and sixty gallons per minute, and ranging in tempera- 
ture from 93° to 150° Fahr., we would expect favorable results 
from their judicious use, and we are' not surprised to learn of 



288 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

cures under their employment that have resisted all other 
modes of treatment. It is asked, " Why not use hot water at 
home ? " Because it is impossible to procure it in sufficient 
quantity and of uniform temperature. Some consider that 
terrestrial heat possesses peculiar properties, rendering it more 
efficient than artificial heat. Dr. G. W. Lawrence, who has 
had ample opportunity for observation, holds that " a positive 
•difference exists in the natural thermal waters of Arkansas and 
artificially-heated waters," which he attributes, among other 
causes, " to the thermo-electric properties of the thermal wa- 
ters." He says, " The natural produces a stimulating sweat ; 
the artificial waters a relaxing diaphoretic action." These 
differences, however, if such exist, are Dot at present tangible. 

In these waters, as in many thermal waters, there is a con- 
fervoid growth, or " moss," which is frequently used by pa- 
tients as an external application to painful parts or ulcerated 
surfaces. It acts much like a poultice. 

Remarks. — It was these waters that De Soto's companions 
passed in search of El Dorado, and thought the " fountain of 
youth." They are situated in a valley, on the western slope of 
the Hot Springs Mountain — one of the Ozark Mountains — at 
an elevation of thirteen hundred and sixty feet above the level 
of the sea. The climate is pleasant, the temperature seldom 
ranging as high as 98° Fahr. during the hottest days of sum- 
mer, and the nights being always cool, so that blankets are 
desirable. The winters are usually mild and of short duration ; 
and the " springs season " begins in April and continues till 
December. 

The springs are fifty-seven in number, flowing, as I have 
said, three hundred and sixty gallons per minute. This large 
volume of water is utilized for all modes of bathing, by con- 
duits, which convey it to the various establishments. The Sot 
Springs JBath consists of three compartments : First, a dress- 
ing-room, where, having disrobed, you enter the bath-room, 
the water in the tub having been previously prepared of the 
proper temperature ; here you remain for a specified length 
of time, bathing in the water and using the hot spout-jet of 



THERMAL WATERS. 289 

water on any portion of the body, as may be required. From 
the bath you enter into the adjoining vapor-room, the floor of 
which is formed by narrow strips of wood, with spaces an inch 
and a half between. From these interstices a volume of vapor 
escapes from the hot water flowing beneath, filling the room, 
and giving it a temperature of about 110° Fahr. Here you re- 
main from one to three minutes, drinking freely from the can 
of hot water previously placed in the room. After the vapor- 
bath you wipe the surface quickly, till dry, put on your flan- 
nels^ dress rapidly, protect the person well with warm over- 
garments, hasten to bed, where you remain, in your flannels 
and icell blanketed, usually twenty minutes, drinking the hot 
water at intervals. "When the circulation has become tranquil 
and perspiration has ceased, the person may rise, but not to 
go out-of-doors immediately if the weather is at all chilly. 

Within eight miles of the Hot Springs are good sulphur- 
waters, not, however, improved. 

CATJSTQGA HOT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office* — Calistoga Springs, Napa County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, cross the bay by regular boat to Yallejo, 
connecting with Napa Yalley Railroad direct for Calistoga, three and a half 
hours from San Francisco. From Sacramento, go by rail direct to Yallejo ; 
thence, as above. 

Hotels. — Calistoga Springs Hotel, Mountain House. 

Analysis. — The principal ingredients are said to be sul- 
phur, iron, and magnesia, sulphur largely predominating. 
Temperature, 100° to 195° Fahr. The waters have not been 
quantitatively analyzed. {See Appendix.) 

Properties. — These springs, belonging to the sulphur class, 
and possessing, besides, the properties of thermal waters, are 
of decided efficacy in many diseases, such as gout, paralysis, 
rheumatism, dartrous diseases of the skin, chronic lead-poi- 
soning, and, as an auxiliary, in tertiary syphilis. 

Remarks. — The springs number about sixty, varying in 
temperature from lukewarm to boiling-hot, and distributed 
over an area of a hundred acres. The waters are used almost 
exclusively for bathing. For this purpose a commodious swim- 



290 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

ming-bath has been constructed, in which many persons may 
enjoy the pleasures of a plunge-bath at the same time. It is 
arranged with the usual conveniences of side-cabinets for dis- 
robing and dressing. There are also well-arranged private 
baths. A hot-sulphur steam-bath is also arranged, so that the 
effects of the water in the form of hot vapor may be procured. 
Here also are found the moor or mineral-mud baths, similar to 
those of Franzensbad and Marienbad, in Bohemia. 

Calistoga is one of the outgrowths of our rapid American 
civilization. A few years ago the area which it occupies was 
a waste ; but, under the energetic management of the proprie- 
tor, Samuel Brannan, Esq., smooth lawns and inviting walks 
have succeeded the waste places, and embowered cottages al- 
lure the invalid. The name was formed by uniting the first 
two syllables of California with the last two of Saratoga 
though there is not the least analogy between the two as re 
gards the properties of the water. "Within the lands of the 
springs is a large vineyard of many acres, yielding tons of 
grapes of the choicest varieties. Here Californians are accus- 
tomed to try the efficacy of the " grape-cure," as practised at 
Vevay, in Switzerland. 

About five miles southwest of Calistoga is the Petrified 
Forest, an object of exceeding interest to the geologist or 
tourist. There are found the prostrate remains of a vast forest 
of gigantic trees, similar to the towering conifers of the 
Pacific coast, all converted into solid stone. It is supposed to 
be the result of volcanic agency, the surface having been del- 
uged with hot silicious-alkaline waters. 

Calistoga is the point whence the stage is taken for the 
Geysers ; also for Skagg's Springs, Harbine Springs, Seigler 
Springs, and the White Sulphur Springs. 

THE GEYSERS. 

Location. — Sonoma County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, across the bay, by boat, to Vallejo ; thence, 
by Napa Valley Railroad, three and a half hours, to Calistoga Springs ; thence 
twenty-eight miles by stage. 

Hotel. — Gevser Hotel. 



THERMAL WATERS. 291 

Analysis, r . 

Remarks. — " The Geyser Canon ' is half a mile long, the 
bottom from one to two rods in width, and the banks shoot up 
fourteen hundred feet at an angle of forty-five degrees. Their 
surface in most places is whitish, covered with the residuum 
of extinct geysers, . . . which has been bleached by the suns 
and rains of scores of summers and winters. Here and there, 
at wide intervals, are small jets of steam from springs which 
are yet bubbling and hissing. Large spots are completely 
honey-combed with these faintly-working relics of a once 
thickly-boiling section. As we walk over them, the ground 
occasionally gives way beneath our tread, and we sink shoe- 
deep into the chemical deposits. 

"The first spring we meet going up the ravine is the 
* Alum and Iron Spring,' which has a temperature of ninety- 
seven degrees. Incrustations of iron form around it in a sin- 
gle night. A few feet farther on is the ' Medicated Geyser 
Bath,' having a temperature a few degrees less. . . . Next 
is the l Boiling Alum and Sulphur Spring,' with a temperature 
of over a hundred and fifty degrees. 

"Close by is the 'Black Sulphur,' which has about the 
'same degree of heat. Beyond these are the 'Epsom Salts 
Spring ' and the ' Boiling Black Sulphur,' which boil, bubble, 
and roar constantly. The largest of all is the ' Witches' Cal- 
dron,' whose diameter exceeds seven feet, and is tossing con- 
tinually with ebullition. When we saw it the water was 
thrown up four or five inches, but we are assured that some- 
times it is thrown up two feet. The temperature is one hun- 
dred and ninety-five degrees. It is large enough to boil an 
ox, and the bottom is of an unknown depth. Large volumes 
of steam rise from it, as visible as the puffings from the smoke- 
stack of a locomotive. Twelve feet away is the ' Intermittent 
Scalding Spring,' which sends forth jets of water of a temper- 
ature of one hundred and seventy-five degrees. They some- 
times rise to a height of fifteen feet, but the pressure varies at 
different times. It is the same with nearly all the springs, 

1 J. F. Manning, in LippincoWs Magazine, December, 1870. 



292 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

and what is seen by one may be very different from what is 
seen by another. At no time, however, do the jets cease en- 
tirely. As the degree of pressure and the height to which the 
water is thrown vary, so does the sound. There are periods 
when it is heard at a considerable distance, and again the ear 
must be near by to distinguish it. 

" The most wonderful and interesting of all the springs is 
the ' Steamboat Geyser,' the play of which resembles exactly 
the 'blowing off steam' in a high-pressure steamboat. A lit- 
tle beyond this singular spring the canon divides or forks, 
smaller ones branching off to the right and left. Just at the 
fork a bold, lofty bluff rises up, which is surmounted by a 
tapering rock named ' The Pulpit.' . . . From the Pulpit a 
full, fine view is obtained of the entire canon and the imme- 
diate surroundings. Besides the springs we have named, 
w T hich are the largest and most valuable for medicinal pur- 
poses, there are numerous smaller ones, numbering, all counted, 
about a hundred. Among them is the ' Devil's Inkstand,' a 
small spring, whose product is as black as ink, and serves very 
well as a substitute for that article. 

" Passing up the bank which forms the upper right-hand 
end of the canon, and taking position on a knoll, we get the 
best view of the larger springs and their operation. About 
two hundred feet below us is the Witches' Caldron, black as 
ink, tossing and steaming : farther down are the minor ones, 
sending up into the scorching sunlight their gossamer vapors. 
We hear distinctly the Steamboat Geyser. It seems as if we 
were on the brink of Tartarus itself, while all around, on the 
sides and summits, excepting in the spots covered with the 
chemicals from extinct geysers, are wild-oats growing abun- 
dantly, beautiful flowers, and wide-spreading oaks, under whose 
deep-green shade grows luxuriantly a peculiar mountain-grass. 
All this vegetation borders closely on the most barren of all 
wastes. 

" From this resting-place we pass over the c Mountain of 
Fire,' a section filled with scores of orifices. . . . Then 
comes the ' Alkali Lake,' followed by other springs of boiling 



THERMAL WATERS. 293 

water impregnated with numberless chemicals. One is a 
white-sulphur spring, the water of which is of an amber 
purity. Another is the ' Boiling Eye-water Spring.' One of 
the guides, a very intelligent German, has put up ten different 
specimens of the most interesting and valuable chemicals, 
and spring-waters in small phials, for the convenience of visitors, 
that they may have in compact and portable form apt tokens 
of remembrance of one of earth's marvels. Near the hotel, in 
Pluton Canon, is the 'Acid Spring.' . . . Sweetened with 
sugar, it makes a palatable lemonade. About a mile and a 
half from the inn is the ' Indian Spring,' so called because the 
Indians for many years carried their sick there to be healed. 
It is a chalybeate, the water being an inky blackness. . . . 
Steam or vapor-baths have been constructed by building sheds 
over the springs, so as to imprison the steam long enough to 
be used for sanitary and pleasure purposes. The principal 
one is in the bottom of Pluton Canon, near the fresh-water 
brook, so that, after the warm douche and the vapor bath, the 
bather goes a few steps, and finds a plunge-bath of the most 
sparkling mountain-water, in an artificial reservoir so arranged 
that the contents are constantly renewed." 

PASO ROBLES HOT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Paso Robles Hot Springs, San Luis Obispo 
County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco by steamer, about one hundred and eighty 
miles south to San Luis Obispo ; thence, twenty-seven miles north by stage, 
to the springs. Or, by San Francisco & St. Jose Railroad, to Sargent's Sta- 
tion ; thence, one hundred and twenty miles south by stage, to the springs. 
From Los Angeles north, by steamer, to San Luis Obispo. 

Hotel. — Paso Robles. 

Properties. — From the following analysis it will very readily 
be seen that this is an exceedingly valuable thermal water, 
closely allied in chemical composition to the waters of Aix-la- 
Chapelle, in Rhenish Prussia. There is the unusual combina- 
tion of thermality, considerable chloride of sodium, sulphuret- 
ted hydrogen, carbonic-acid gas, and an active amount of 



294 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



alkaline carbonates. A water such as this cannot fail to be 
of benefit in very many cases of gout, chronic rheumatism, and 
dartrous shin-diseases ; also, in contractions of the joints and 
old gunshot-wounds. In fine, it is applicable to all those dis- 
eases especially benefited by a thermal saline-sulphur water. 
The immediate effect of the water is laxative and diuretic; 
the remote, alterative. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 



S0LID8. 

Carbonate of soda 

Carbonate of magnesia. . 

Chloride of sodium 

Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of lime 

Protoxide of iron 

Iodides and bromides. . . 

Alumina 

Silica 

Organic matter 



Total. 



Gases. 

Carbonic acid 

Sulphuretted hydrogen. 



Main Spring, 


Mud Spring, 


112° Fahr. 


122° Fahr. 


Prof. Thomas Price. 


Prof. Thomas Price. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


3.664 


0.543 


0.05T 


0.323 


2.830 


10.047 


0.092 


trace. 


0.818 


4.281 


0.334 


1.864 


0.037 




traces. 




0.023 




0.046 


0.116 


0.171 


0.361 


8.0T2 


17.535 


CuMc in. 


Cubic in. 


2.31 


10.53 


saturated. 


saturated. 



Remarks, — The name, Paso de Robles, means White-Oak 
Pass, so called from the white-oaks grown in the valley. Un- 
fortunately, the immediate surroundings of the springs are not 
attractive, the valley in which they are situated being flat, and 
the mountains on either side low and of a monotonous uniform- 
ity. " But let the visitor go over a few miles to the southern 
slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains, and his eyes shall be 
sated with color. 

" I sat one October morning in a vast amphitheatre, be- 
tween the Santa Lucia Mountains and the outer buttes, or 
foot-hills, and gazed upon a mosaic more enchanting than can 
be witnessed outside of California. The crest of the moun- 
tain bore a straggling row of pale-green California pines, while 
here and there a live-oak stood darkly in the unbroken sheet 
of gold. Directly before me there was a great sunny moun- 
tain, daintily crinkled and .dimpled, and thus shadowing the 



THERMAL WATERS. 295 

wild grasses, here into a pale claret, there into a cinnamon, or 
a cuir, or a buff, or that exquisitely rich and satisfying tint 
often seen on California hills when they lie at a certain slope 
beneath the sun, and resembling nothing so much as a damson 
purple, all rimy crisp with a soft and sunny flush of violet haze, 
In another place, the ripened wild-oats had faded in the dew 
less summer days from their golden splendor to an inexpressi 
bly subdued, tender, creamy tint, like the finest velvet-plusb 
which seemed to float over the slope as the merest nimbus 
now creeping a little in the breeze, and now dying with a kind 
of lazy, delicious shudder." 1 

The conveniences at these springs are such as accomjmny 
the early stage of improvement. There are two swimming- 
pools — one for gentlemen, one for ladies. 

SANTA BARBARA HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Santa Barbara Springs, Santa Barbara County, 
California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, two hundred and eighty miles south, by 
steamer, to Santa Barbara ; thence, four miles by stage. 

Hotel. — Sulphur Springs. (Good accommodations in Santa Barbara.) 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis has been made. They 
are hot sulphur-waters. Temperature, 60° to 130° Fahr. 

Properties. — These waters are valuable in chronic rheuma- 
tism, diseases of the skin, contractions of the joints, paralysis, 
and, as an auxiliary, in the treatment of secondary and tertiary 
syphilis. 

HemarJcs. — In this connection I insert a portion of a letter 
received March 22, 1872, from Dr. M. H. Biggs, of .Santa Bar- 
bara: 

" The Hot Sulphur Springs of Santa Barbara are situated 
at the head of a deep canon, about five miles to the northeast 
of the town of Santa Barbara, at an elevation of fourteen hun- 
dred and fifty feet above the level of the sea. They number 
in all seven, and seem to be of two distinct varieties. Those 
nearest the head of the canon escape from crevices in the rock, 

1 Stephen Powers, Esq. 



296 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

and are four in number, all appearing to have the same prop- 
erties, the most sensible of which are free sulphur and sul- 
phuretted hydrogen ; their temperature, 114° Fahr. Another 
spring is situated about one hundred yards off, in a westerly 
direction from the first mentioned ; temperature, 117° Fahr. 
Its principal constituent is sulphate of alumina, evident from 
the thick incrustation of this salt on the under surface .of the 
rock beneath which this water escapes ; it also tastes strongly 
of sulphate of iron, and is said to contain soda and potash, 
and a trace of arsenic. The two remaining springs are located 
in a branch canon, about one hundred rods in a northerly direc- 
tion from the last one mentioned, and appear to possess the 
same qualities, with the exception of the temperature, which is 
only 112° Fahr. No thorough analysis of these mineral springs 
has ever been made, at least in our time. 

" It is said that while this country was in possession of the 
King of Spain, a corps of scientific men was sent out to this 
coast, commissioned, among other things, to test the proper- 
ties of the several mineral springs known to abound here ; and 
that in their report they pronounced the Santa Barbara Hot 
Sulphur Springs to be the best and most medicinal, and supe- 
rior to any other in California ' for the cure of many diseases.' 
Whether they came to this conclusion from actual analysis, or 
from simply witnessing their effect, is not known. Certain it 
is that at the present day they are becoming famous for their 
curative effects in many cases of rheumatism, paralysis, vari- 
ous diseases of syphilitic origin, and skin-diseases generally ; 
and from a persistent use of the waters (drinking and bathing), 
many individuals have been cured of such affections." 

The climate of Santa Barbara is delightful. It seems more 
nearly to resemble that of Monaco and Mentone, on the shores 
of the Mediterranean, than any other in America. Through- 
out the year the temperature is mild and equable, affording 
that opportunity for continual out-door exercise that is so im- 
portant to consumptives. From a report by Dr. Thomas M. 
Logan, Permanent Secretary of the State Board of Health of 
California, we select the following : 



THERMAL WATERS. 297 

" Santa Barbara is the county-seat and principal town of 
the county of the same name. It is built upon a beautiful 
slope, rising from the sea-beach, at the southeastern extremity 
of a gently-ascending valley, some fifteen miles in length and 
two in width, but gradually spreading out to five miles, as it 
extends into the interior. The beautiful harbor consists of a 
cove, or semi-ellipse, about one and a half mile wide from 
point to point, indented into the curving shore, and protected 
by the overlapping Santa Ynez and adjoining ranges. The 
gently-sloping beach for several miles affords safe sea-bathing 
at all seasons of the year. At low water an admirable and 
pleasing drive, equal to that of Newport, may here be had, 
and the interesting drawing of the seine, full of every variety 
of fishes, may be witnessed — a most important item in the 
dietary of the feeble, from the warmth-giving phosphorus 
contained in fish. 

" As to the climate of Santa Barbara, it will be seen that, 
although lying in about the same latitude as Wilmington, N. C, 
yet it is totally different, and that the isothermal line would be 
deflected toward St. Augustine, Fla. Nearly the same cloth- 
ing is worn all the year round, and there is no day in the 
year in which the invalid may not sit out-of-doors. This 
covers the most essential indication in the treatment of con- 
sumption, by affording a continuous supply of pure, unadulter- 
ated air-food for the lungs. Still, as the climate possesses 
some latent peculiarities in its favor, too subtile for ordinary 
observation, I shall instance the remarkable phenomenon so 
philosophically noted by Dr. Brinkerhoff, who has resided 
here eighteen } 7 ears : 

" ' Some ten miles from Santa Barbara, in a westerly direc- 
tion, in the bed of the ocean, about one and a half mile from 
the shore, is an immense spring of petroleum, the product of 
which continually rises to the surface of the water and floats 
upon it over an area of many miles. This mineral oil may 
be seen any day from the deck of steamers plying between 
here and San Francisco, or from the high banks alono* the 

7 O O 

shore, its many-changing hues dancing upon the shifting 



298 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

waves of the sea, and affording various suggestions, both for 
the speculative and the speculator. Having read statements 
that, during the past few years, the authorities of Damascus 
and other plague-ridden cities of the East have resorted to 
the practice of introducing crude petroleum into the gutters 
of the streets to disinfect the air, and as a preventive of dis- 
ease, which practice has been attended with the most favorable 
results, I throw out the suggestion, but without advancing 
any theory of my own, whether the prevailing westerly sea- 
breezes, passing over this wide expanse of sea-laden petro- 
leum, may not take up from it and bear along with them 
to the places whither they go, some subtile power which 
serves as a disinfecting agent, and which may account for the 
infrequency of some of the diseases referred to, and probably 
for the superior healthfulness of the climate of Santa Barbara.' 

" I would add that, during one week's sojourn here, my 
attention has been directed to the peculiar ambrosial influ- 
ence pervading the air, so well described above, and that I 
indorse all that has been stated in this respect. That the cli- 
mate of Santa Barbara possesses all the elements of general 
healthfulness in an eminent degree, is substantiated by the 
fact that the epidemics incident to childhood are almost un- 
known. Fevers and agues never originate here. Small-pox, 
frequently brought from abroad, never spreads, although hun- 
dreds of the native population, either from ignorance or preju- 
dice, never allow themselves to be vaccinated. 

" I have said, when speaking of the prolific yield of the 
soil, that it was due to the moist sea-air. On this depends 
the deliciousness of the climate. Moist air, either too hot or 
too cold, is injurious. The latter chills the surface and drives 
the blood in upon the internal organs. But the moist air in 
which we bathe in Santa Barbara is possessed of that happy 
combination of temperature with moisture, which, while it re- 
freshes, also invigorates and vitalizes equally the whole sys- 
tem. The range between the wet and dry bulb thermome- 
ters, at two p. m., is usually about four degrees, except on 
foggy or rainy days, when they are often identical ; and yet, 



THERMAL WATERS. 



299 



strange to say, the feeling of chilliness is never experienced. 
During the prevalence of a high land wind, the range is occa- 
sionally extended to ten or even twenty degrees ; but even 
then that feeling of irritation and dryness which attends the 
same wind in the more northern portions of California, is un- 
known. This occurrence, however, does not happen oftener 
than once or twice a year, and then only for a brief period 
about the equinoxes. 

" The peculiar evenness of the climate is shown in the 
following tables, compiled from the meteorological register of 
the Rev. J. A. Johnson, the indefatigable editor of the Santa 
Barbara Press : 

' MONTHLY MEAN. 



April, At 


erage of the 


three 


laily o 


bserTations, 60.62° F. 


May, 


a (i 


" 


ii 


ii 


62.35° F. 


June, 


u u 


ii 


ii 


ii 


65.14° F. 


July, 


II II 


it 


ii 


" 


71 49° F. 


August, 


II tc 


u 


« 


(< 


72.12° F. 


Sept., 


11 II 


ii 


u 


it 


68.08° F. 


Oct., 


II (( 


u 


u 


u 


65.96° F. 


JS T OT., 


(( II 


ti 


u 


II 


61.22° F. 


Dec, 


II 11 


ii 


u 


II 


52.12° F. 


Jan., 


II II 


« 


it 


11 


54.51° F. 


Feb., 


II (( 


ti 


ii 


II 


53.35° F. 


March, 


II ll 


u 


« 


(( 


58.12° F. 


Average temperature for the 


year, 




60.20° F. 


COLDEST DAT. 






WARMEST DAT. 


April 12th, 60° F 






April 16th, 74° F. 


May 


15th, 66° F. 






May 


23d, 77° F. 


June 1st, 69° F. 






June 3d, 80° F 


July 


26th, 76° F. 






July 


11th, 84° F. 


Aug. 


11th, 77° F. 






Aug. 


8th, 86° F. 


Sept 


23d, 66° F. 






Sept 


27th, 90° F. 


Oct. 


23d, 60°. F. 






Oct. 


20th, 92° F. 


Nov 


7th, 64° F. 






Xov. 


20th, 87° F. ' 


Dec. 


15th, 52° F. 






Dec. 


28th, 71° F. 


Jan. 


11th, 56° F. 






Jan. 


3d, 76° F. 


Feb. 


22d, 42° F. 






Feb. 


28th, 71° F. 


Mar 


13th, 56° F. 






March 27th, 83° F. 



Coldest day in the year, Feb 22d, 42° F. ; warmest day in the year, Oct. 
20th, 92° F. Variation, 50V " 
14 



800 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

From the date of Dr. Logan's report, I presume the table 
above was compiled from records of observations during 1870. 

AGUA CALIENTE; OR, WARNER'S RANCH SPRINGS. 

Location. — San Diego County, California. 

Access. — From San Diego, about fifty miles northeast, in a direct line. 

Hotel. . (No improvements.) 

Analysis. — Thermal sulphur-waters. 

Remarks. — The following is the description of these springs 
as given by W. P. Blake, geologist of U. S. Exploring Ex- 
pedition : 

" The Thermal Springs, generally known as the * Agua 
Caliente,' are situated on the slope of one of the ridges at the 
most eastern part of the valley (Warner's Ranch.) They 
have long been resorted to by the Indians for bathing, and 
the cure of various diseases. The water boils up from out of a 
granite ledge through a number of openings or cleavage-fissures, 
and in one place it appears to have enlarged the opening so 
that it has become nearly cylindrical. The water flows copiously 
from different apertures, and the united streams give a volume 
of water about equal to what would be delivered from a two- 
inch pipe under a pressure of one or two feet. These openings 
are in a slight ravine, which appears to have been the bed of a 
brook that is now deflected from its course by a dam built for 
the purpose by the Indians. In descending toward the spring 
the odor of sulphuretted hydrogen is at once perceptible, and 
a slight cloud of steam rises from the water. The tempera- 
ture of the water was taken, and the following are the results : 



Time, 9 a. m., November 30, 1853. 


* 


First, or principal spring 


. 




142° F. 


Second spring 




. 


. 141° F. 


Third spring 


. 




140° F. 


Fourth spring 




. 


. 140° F. 


Fifth spring, ten feet distant 


. 


. . 


136° F. 


Stream below the springs 




. . 


. 130° F. 


Stream above the springs 


. 


. . 


58° F. 


Air .... 




• . 


W° F. 



THERMAL WATERS. 301 

" Bubbles of sulphuretted hydrogen were constantly escap- 
ing, and the water was highly charged with it ; and had an 
acid taste that was quite agreeable. There was only a slight 
deposit or incrustation on some of the rocks (consisting of 
sulphur). A small jet of steam was constantly issuing from a 
crevice near the main spring, producing a slight hissing sound 
like steam from a leak in a boiler." — ( Government Explora- 
tions for Pacific Railroad^ vol. v., p. 106.) 



SAN BERNARDINO HOT SPRINGS. 

Location. — San Bernardino County, California. 

Access. — From the town of San Bernardino, about fifty miles northeast 
from Los Angeles ; thence, about five miles distant. 
Hotel. . (No improvements.) 

Analysis. — Pure and calcic thermal waters. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated on the flanks of 
Mount San Bernardino. They are described as follows, by 
W. P. Blake, geologist of the U. S. Survey, who visited them 
between the 3d and 6th of November, 1853 : 

" The warm and hot waters gush out from the granitic 
rocks, on the flanks of San Bernardino and adjacent heights. 
In one place the springs are so numerous, and the water rises 
in such volume, that a good-sized mill-stream of hot water is 
formed, which flows down into the valley, and is one of the 
principal tributaries of the Santa Anna River. This brook of 
hot water retains a temperature of 100° Fahr., three or four 
miles from its source. 

" I visited several of the springs on the sides of the Sierra, 
between San Bernardino Mountain and the Cajon Pass, near 
the saw-mill road. ... It was evident that the adjacent 
granite was very near the surface, as shown by one or two 
outcrops, from one of which the hot waters issued. Small 
springs rise at intervals of ten or twenty feet along a distance 
of thirty or forty rods. Their waters unite, and form a little 
stream that empties into the brook a short distance below. 
The banks of the stream were thickly overgrown with grass. 



302 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

A dense mass of beautiful green confervae grew from- the bot- 
tom and sides of the channel, and floated in rich waving 
masses in the hot water. In the immediate vicinity of the 
springs, however, no vegetable growth was visible. The 
rocks and gravel in contact with the water were covered with 
a snow-white incrustation, and little twigs and leaves that had 
fallen into it were softened to a white, pulpy mass, and were 
partly incrusted. This was also the case with insects that 
were lying dead in the shallows of one of the springs, but I 
could not observe that in either case any petrifaction or in- 
ternal deposit of mineral matter had taken place. The follow- 
ing temperatures were observed : 172, 169, 166, 130, 128, 108° 
Fahr. The temperature of the hot stream below all the 
springs was 130° Fahr., and the mountain-brook only 65° 
Fahr. Temperature of air, 76° Fahr. 

" The white crust was not found in equal quantities at all 
the springs. It appeared to be most abundant at one of 
them. . . . An analysis of the crust (by J. D. Easter, Ph. D.) 
since the return of the expedition, gave the following results : 

" The aqueous extract contained only a small proportion 
of chloride of sodium. In hot hydrochloric acid the mass dis- 
solved with strong effervescence, leaving a residue of silica 
and alumina. The solution contained — 

Lime (carbonate) chief constituent. 

Silica (soluble in acid). 

Magnesia. 

Alumina and oxide of iron, traces. 

Phosphoric acid, trace. 

"The springs are estimated to be at least five hundred 
feet above the level of the Santa Anna, at the Mormon settle- 
ment, and thus nearly sixteen hundred and eighteen feet above 
the sea. 

" These springs are not the source of the large stream of 
water first referred to. It takes its rise farther eastward, near 
the mountain of San Bernardino. I regret that I could not 
visit its source, as the springs must be of great volume and 
high temperature to send forth such a large stream of water 



THERMAL WATERS. 303 

retaining its temperature a long distance from the mountains. 
I was informed there are several other localities of hot springs 
along these mountains, and there are, no doubt, many that 
have not yet been discovered. The large stream of hot water 
appears to be nearly pure." — ( Government Explorations for 
Pacific Railroad, vol. v., pp. 63, 64.) 

SKAGGS'S HOT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Officet — Sonoma County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, by daily boat, to Petaluma ; thence, by 
rail, to Healdsburg; thence, about twenty miles by stage, to springs. Time, 
about twelve hours. 

Hotel. — Skaggs's Springs. 

Analys is. — None. 

Remarks. — " There are three springs open at present : 
That nearest the hotel is impregnated with sulphur, iron, and 
borax. . . . Temperature varies from 128° to 130° Fahr. The 
second spring, about one hundred yards distant, contains 
manganese, iron, sulphur, and soda; temperature, 138° to 
140° Fahr. To the left, and nearly opposite the spring just 
described, is the iron spring situated on a knoll. The canon 
in which the hotel is located contains several trout-streams 
affording excellent fishing. There is also an abundance of 
game, such as deer, quail, rabbits, etc." ' 

GILROY HOT SPRINGS. 

Location. — Santa Clara County, California. 

Post-Office . — Gilroy, Santa Clara County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, by Central Pacific Railroad, forty-seven 

miles south to San Jose ; thence, miles south by Southern Pacific 

Railroad, to Gilroy ; thence, miles south by stage, to the springs. 

Eolel. — Gilroy Springs. 

An ali/sis. — None. 

LAKE TAHOE HOT SPRINGS. 

Location. — On the borders of Lake Tahoe. The lake is on the eastern 

ooundary of California, and lies partly in Placer and partly in El Dorado 

County. 

1 Correspondence of a California paper. 



304 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Access. — Go to Truckee, a station on the Pacific Central Railroad, two 
hundred and fifty-eight miles east from San Francisco ; thence, by stage, to 
the springs. 

Hotel. (at Truckee, the Kennebec and the Truckee). 

Analysis. . 

Remarks. — This is an interesting mountain resort, about 
six thousand five hundred feet above the sea. At the Hot 
Springs a steamer conveys passengers across the lake, and re- 
turns, in one day. 



IDAHO HOT SPBINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, Colorado. 

Access. — Go to Denver, via Kansas Pacific Railroad ; thence, via Colorado 
Central Railroad and stage, to Central City, thirty-four miles west ; thence, 
six miles by stage, to Idaho. 

Hotels. — Beebe House, Springs House. 

ANALYSIS. 
"One pint contains (85° to 115° Fahr. J. G. Dohle): 



Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda .... 


3.85 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 0.36 


Carbonate of iron .... 


0.52 


Carbonate of lime 


. 1.19 


Chloride of sodium . . 


0.52 


Chloride of magnesium , 


. trace. 


Chloride of calcium . . . 


trace. 


Sulphate of soda 


. ' . 3.67 


Sulphate of magnesia 


2.34 


Sulphate of lime 


. 0.43 


Silicate of soda .... 


0.51 


Total .... 


. 13.39 


Flow, one hundred gallons per minute. 


(1870.) 



Properties. — In chemical ingredients and temperature 
these waters are of the nature of the celebrated Carlsbad wa- 
ters in Bohemia, though not equal in the amount of constitu- 
ents, or height of temperature. They are valuable waters — 
especially useful in rheumatism, cutaneous diseases, contrac- 
tions of joints, tertiary syphilis, etc. 

Memarks. — Idaho, within the range of the Rocky Moun- 



THERMAL WATERS. 305 

tains, and seven thousand eight hundred feet above the sea, 
presents an altogether Alpine character. "The scenery is 
Swiss-like in every particular. Snow always in sight, cas- 
cades, the rushing roar of sparkling waters, rounded moun- 
tains, beetling crags, and grand, barren cliffs, 'rock-ribbed 
and ancient as the sun.' The town itself is built in a broad, 
fertile valley, irrigated with ditches and enlivened by the 
sound of waters. The hill-sides, cut by deep canons, rise up 
gently in some places, in others abruptly ; here, covered with 
grass, and there with pine-forests. The emerald of the val- 
ley, dotted with its white houses, is picturesquely succeeded 
by the deep green of the mountain-slopes, whose dense forests 
stand out clearly defined, mingling with a sky of an Italian 
blue, and transparently beautiful." * 

There are two large bathing establishments, known as the 
Ocean Bath and the Mammoth Bath, having pools : one, twenty 
by forty, and four feet deep ; the other, thirty by fifty, and five 
feet deep. There are also arrangements for private baths of 
any desired temperature. 

MIDDLE PARK HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location. — Middle Park, Summit County, Colorado. 

Access. — Go to Denver, via Kansas Pacific Railroad ; thence, seventeen 
miles west, via Colorado Central Railroad, to Golden City ; thence, thirty-two 
miles by stage, to Georgetown or Empire ; thence, fifty miles horseback over 
Berthoud Pass. Or, from Denver, thirty-four miles west, via Colorado Cen- 
tral Railroad, to Central City ; thence, fifty-five miles horseback over the James 
Peak route. Or, from Central City by wagon or carriage, fifty-five miles, over 
the South Boulder route. Camp out on the way 

Hotel. — One in contemplation. 

Analysis. — None has been made. They are, however, 
said to be of the sulphur class, and range in temperature from 
111° to 116° Fahr. Flow, two hundred gallons per minute. 

Remarks. — These springs are no doubt destined to be a 
very popular resort. Situated as they are, on a mountain- 
bound plateau eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, 

1 Correspondence of Kev. H. C. Waltz. 



306 MINEEAL SPRINGS. 

under a cloudless sky, and surrounded by the attractions of 
mountain scenery and the chase, they cannot fail to receive 
visitors. 

The atmosphere is cool and exhilarating, and bathing in 
the water delightful. With all the inconvenience that at- 
tends a journey thither, and the necessity of camping out, 
over five hundred persons were there during the month of 
July, 1871. 

The favorite route to the springs is by the way of Berthoud 
Pass. Having arrived at Georgetown, the tourist procures 
saddle and pack horses, and guides. The first day's journey 
will be over the summit of the range, eleven thousand feet 
above the sea, and through a dense forest of timber for fourteen 
miles beyond, to the " head of the park." Here camp is 
usually made. The next day's ride is down an open valley or 
arm of the park, following for some miles the course of 
Fraser's River. The route by South Boulder Pass is tedious 
and difficult, the road passing over the extreme summit of the 
range, more than 12,000 feet above the sea, where snow- 
storms are not unusual in July and August. The James Peak 
route is one of the most interesting, the road winding around 
the mountain, one of the highest points in the range ; and the 
ascent easily made. All the roads, however, after crossing 
the mountains, meet together in the valley of the Fraser 
River. Thence the road is a pleasant carriage-drive along 
meadow-like valleys, with timbered ridges or table-lands, to 
the right and left. The grass is of luxuriant growth, and 
great variety. Clover of several kinds, and the blue flowering 
flax, are seen everywhere. All through late spring and early 
summer the prairies are bright with flowers, and the air laden 
with their fragrance. Delightful camping-places are seen all 
along the route, and days or weeks can be whiled away in 
Arcadian simplicity and enjoyment. 

Arrived at the springs, there are several houses, a little 
trading establishment, and a primitive blacksmith-shop. The 
springs, many in number, are grouped together on an embank- 
ment, three hundred feet from Grand River, and about thirty 



THERMAL WATERS. 307 

feet above it. The stream, formed by the united overflow of 
the springs, is from three to five inches deep, and four to six 
feet wide. The flow is probably much greater than that re- 
corded. The sources vary in temperature from 111 to 116° 
Fahr. Curiously enough, on the opposite side of the river 
is a cold sulphur-spring. 

The bath is a natural basin in the rock, fifteen by thirty 
feet, and four feet deep. It has been housed and roofed. 
The temperature of this bath is about 109° Fahr. 

In this distant region the sportsman readily gratifies his 
inclination. All the streams abound in trout, and the forests 
are frequented by elk, deer, antelope, and mountain-sheep. 
During the season, grouse and water-fowl shooting may be 
indulged. 

Grand Lake, twenty-seven miles northeast from the springs, 
is another attraction. The road is up the valley, and is an ex- 
ceedingly pleasant one. The lake is at the extremity of a 
deep cove in the main mountain-chain. On three sides it is 
overshadowed by frowning cliffs, while on the other is a nar- 
row gap between high wooded hills, through which the river 
makes its exit, and the road enters. Thick forests of tall pines 
come down on all sides to the water's edge, separated there- 
from only by a narrow beach of clean-washed white sand. 
The water is very deep, and. clear as crystal. Most astonish- 
ing echoes are sent to and fro over its waters, the sound re- 
verberating back and forth from cliff to cliff. 

Near the springs are many patches of agate, where moss- 
agate, chalcedony, and amethyst, may be found. 

WARM SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Warm Springs, Madison County, North Caro- 
lina. 

Access. — Go to Morristown, a station on the Virginia & Tennessee Rail- 
road, one hundred and fifty-four miles northeast from Cbattanooga, and four 
hundred and seventy miles southwest from Washington ; thence, via Cincin- 
nati, Cumberland Gap & Charleston Kailroad, thirty-nine miles, to Wolf 
Creek ; thence, eight miles by stage or omnibus, to the springs. The West- 



308 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



ern North Carolina Railroad, from Salisbury via Asheville, will soon be com- 
pleted to the springs . 

Hotel. — Warm Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 



Solids. 
Chloride of potassium . 

Chloride of sodium 

Chloride of magnesium 

Chloride of calcium 

Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia.. , 

Sulphate of lime 

Soluble silicates 

Total 

G-Af 

Carbonic acid 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 



Bathing Springs. 

102° Fahr. 

E. Adelmarth, 

M. D. 



Grains. 
0.039 
0.114 
0.027 
1.263 
0.045 
1.128 
0.168 
5.110 
1.121 



Drinking Springs. 

97" Fahr. 

E. Adelmarth, 

M. D. 



Grains. 
0.063 
0.137 
0.046 
1-.118 
0.059 
1.113 
1.016 
5.067 
1.192 




Cubic in. 
1.34 
0.31 



Properties. — Chemically considered, these are calcic-sul- 
phur waters, bearing considerable resemblance to the well- 
known baths of Leuk, in the valley of the Rhone, Switzerland. 
They are valuable thermal waters and are efficacious in chronic 
rheumatism, gout, paralysis, dartrous shin-diseases, and irrita- 
ble conditions of the urinary apparatus. They also are useful 
in certain cases of amenorrhcea and dysmenorrhoea. 

Remarks. — The "Warm Springs are at an elevation of sev- 
enteen hundred feet above the^ sea, surrounded on all sides by 
pine-covered mountain-summits, save the gorge and valley 
where the French Broad River has worn its pathway. The 
hotel and cottages are included in an area of about one hun- 
dred and fifty acres, well shaded, and interwoven with winding 
walks. The scenery of the region is exceedingly wild and 
beautiful. The banks of the river are precipitous in many 
places, at the springs being over one hundred feet in height. 
At a distance of some two miles from the hotel is Lover's 
Leap, an elevated point frequently visited by tourists, whence 
a far-extended view, for many miles, is had of the winding and 
turbulent river and the enclosing mountain-peaks. The climate 



THEKMAL WATERS. 309 

is cool and bracing, the severe heats of summer being un- 
known. 

The springs are near the banks of the river. One, the 
largest, is enclosed by a brick-wall laid in cement, and has a 
bath-house built over it. The bath is divided into two com- 
partments — one for ladies, the other for gentlemen. The 
swimming-baths are about twenty by thirty feet, and four and 
a half feet deep. The mean temperature of the ladies' bath 
is 102° Fahr. ; gentlemen's, 100° Fahr. The flow of water is 
constant, averaging nine gallons per minute. 

AGTJA CALTENTE. 

Location. — Mesilla County, New Mexico. 

Access. . 

Hotel. (Unimproved). 

Remarks. — This spring is described as follows by T. Anti- 
sell, M. D., geologist of United States Exploring Expedition : 

" Between the Mimbres and Ojo de la Vacca, and close to 
trail leading from the former to the copper-mines, is that re- 
markable spring known as the ' Agua Caliente.' It lies about 
five miles from the river. 

" Where the springs issue out is a mound or bank of tu- 
faceous deposit, formed by the overflow of the spring at some 
former time, previous to the side-channels being formed. This 
mound is twenty feet above the valley-level and two and one- 
half feet above the level of the water in the spring, showing 
that the spring, by deposit of carbonate of lime from its wa- 
ters, has formed a basin-wall for itself, and allowed its level to 
be raised above the surrounding valley. This calcareous basin 
is twenty-five feet across and does not show bottom, except 
around the edges, which are rocky ; a twelve-foot pole thrust 
into the middle did not find bottom. The temperature of the 
spring was 130° Fahr. at the surface. From one point below 
bubbles of gas arose in great abundance (carbonic acid). The 
water is agreeable to the taste." * 

1 " Government Explorations for Pacific Kailroad," vol. vii., p. 156. 



310 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

WARM SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Oflice. — Warm Springs, Merriwether County, Georgia. 
Access. — Prom Macon, via Western Railway, one hundred miles west, to 
Columbus ; thence, thirty-six miles by stage. 
Hotel. — Warm Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains 


(90° Fahr. 


Prof. A. 


Means) : 


Solids 






Grains. 


Oxide of magnesium 


. 


. 


11.68 


Oxide of calcium 


. 


. 


4.64 


Protoxide of iron . 


• • 




2.14 


Total . 


. 18.46 


Gases. 






Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 


. . 


. 


1.11 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


. 




trace. 



The above bases are combined with carbonic acid, forming 
carbonates. A new analysis of this water is needed. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated on a spur of the 
Pine Mountain. The flow is fourteen hundred gallons per 
minute ; and, as a consequence of this large supply of water, 
every facility for bathing is offered. The height of the springs 
above the sea is eighteen hundred feet. Surrounding the 
springs are walks, terraces, and grottos, and the usual accom- 
paniments of springs resorts. Within the enclosure there is a 
sulphur-spring ; while three-quarters of a mile distant is the 
cold spring, an acidulous chalybeate, discharging, it is said, 
five thousand three hundred and forty-one cubic inches per 
hour of carbonic-acid gas, from a surface about five feet square. 
The drive thither is delightful — a fine pebbled road, leading 
through a skirt of wood, beneath the shade of mountain-oak, 
chestnut, and pine. 

LEBANON SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Lebanon Springs, Columbia County, New York. 

Access. — Prom New York, via Harlem Railroad, direct to the springs, one 
hundred and fifty-five miles north. Or take Hudson River day-boat to Hud- 
son; thence, by Hudson & Boston Railroad, to Chatham Four Corners; 
thence, by Harlem Extension Railroad to the springs, twenty-seven miles 
north. From the east, take Boston & Albany Railroad to Chatham Pour 



THERMAL WATERS. 



311 



Corners ; thence as described. From the west, go to Albany ; thence, by 
Boston & Albany Railroad, to Chatham Four Corners ; thence as described. 
From the north, go to Rutland ; thence, by Harlem Extension Railroad, to 
the springs, eighty-one miles south. 
Hotclt — Columbia Hall. 



ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (73° Fahr. 

Solids. 

Carbonate of soda . 

Carbonate of lime . • 

Chloride of sodium 

Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of magnesia 

Sulphuret of sodium . 

Oxide of iron 

Alumina 

Silicic acid . 

. ( Glairine 
Organic compounds j ^ ^ 

Total 
Gases. 
Oxygen 
Nitrogen 
Carbonic acid 

Total 



Prof. H. Dussance) 



Grains. 
0.301, 
0.506 
0.120 
0.130 
0.132 
0.002 
0.117 
0.056 
0.406 
0.094 
1.183 

3.047 
Cubic in. 
0.25 
0.44 
0.06 

0.75 



This spring claims our attention as being the only ther- 
mal water in New York, or the New-England States. The 
temperature — 73° Fahr. — is about the same as the old Sweet 
Springs of Virginia. The discharge from the spring is large, 
being estimated at five hundred gallons per minute. Eleva- 
tion, one thousand feet above the level of the sea. The water 
is principally used for bathing. 

But a short distance from Lebanon Springs is the village 
of the Bfick-Yard Shakers, where there is a chalybeate spring 
which Prof. Briggs reports as highly charged with iron. 

Remarks. — Lebanon Springs have been a favorite resort 
since the earliest settlement. It is related that one of our 
Revolutionary fathers stopped at the spring to water his horse, 
and, while there, carelessly thrust the end of his freshly-cut 



312 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

whip in the soft earth and rode away. Soon roots were 
formed, leaves appeared, and from that woodman's whip has 
grown the beautiful sycamore-tree that stands near the spring. 
The salubrity of the climate, and beauty of scenery, com- 
bine to make this an exceedingly attractive resort. The val- 
ley is enclosed by gently-receding hills, from the summits of 
which extended views may be had. From a point on Gilbert 
Hill .sail-boats may be seen on the Hudson in clear weather, 
and far beyond the blue outlines of the Catskill Mountains. 
Pleasure-drives are numerous. The valley roads to Queechy 
Lake, or the Williamstown or Nassau road, are exceedingly 
attractive. But the road from Lebanon to Pittsfield, over the 
Taghanic Mountains, is unsurpassed. From the summit there 
is a view of the entire country for sixty miles in every direc- 
tion. 

PUEBLA HOT SPRING. 

Location* — Humboldt County, Nevada. 

Access. . 

Hotel. . (Unimproved.) 

Analysis. . 

Remarks. — Fiom the proceedings of the California Acad- 
emy of Sciences I extract the following : " Dr. Blake made 
some remarks on the extent of the deposits that had been 
formed by the Hot Spring at Puebla, in Humboldt County, 
Nevada. He had caused specimens of. the earth to be taken 
at different depths, and from spots situated in different direc- 
tions and distances from the spring. The farthest spot at 
which these explorations had been made was at a distance of 
one hundred and fifteen yards from the spring, in a north- 
westerly direction, and here, to the depth of five feet, the 
earth contained a large number of diatoms of the same species 
as those obtained from the spring — in fact, a large portion of 
the soil was composed of diatoms, evidently formed in the 
water of the Hot Spring. From the earth obtained to the 
south of the spring few diatoms were found, and, in these, but 
two or three were of the same species as those growing in the 



THERMAL WATERS. 313 

Hot Spring. The time in which a small surface like the out- 
let of the Puebla Hot Spring — about thirty yards long and 
two feet broad — would require to produce thousands of cubic 
yards of this infusorial earth, almost transcends the power of 
the imagination to conceive ; and yet this process can only 
have been going on during the present geological epoch, or 
since the surface of this portion of the globe has been subject 
to any disturbance.". 

VOLCANO SPRINGS. 

Location. — Lander County, Nevada. 

Access. — From Beowawe, a station on the Central Pacific Railroad, four 
hundred and seventeen miles east of Sacramento, ride — miles south- 
east. 

Analysis. . 



Remarks. — From a description by Colonel Albert S. Evans, 
in the Overland Monthly, February, 1869, 1 extract the follow- 
ing: 

" Across the valley, some six miles to the southward, half- 
way up the western slope of a hill, perhaps six hundred feet 
in height, we saw a long table-land of mesa, white upon the 
top, and with long ribbon-like streaks of blue and white run- 
ning down thence to the plain below. This had been desig- 
nated as the locality of the Volcano Springs, but, beyond the 
discolorations mentioned, there was nothing to attract the 
attention of a traveller, and one might pass the point a dozen 
times without being made aware of their existence. ' There 
she blows,' exclaimed one of my companions after we had 
ridden on- in sight of the place for some minutes. Looking 
up, I saw a long jet of white steam shoot far up into the air 
from the top of the mesa. Another and another followed, and 
in a few minutes a dozen or more were rising from different 
parts of the hill-side, and one or two from the plain at its foot. 
Half an hour's gallop brought us to the foot of the hill. Some 
time before we reached it we heard a noise as of many steam- 
engines working away in some huge factory, and as we forced 
our horses up the steep acclivity over ground that resounded 



314 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

beneath their tread, hollow and cavernous, we heard other 
sounds emanating from the deep bosom of the mountain. 
Dismounting, we hitched our panting, half-frighted horses to 
a huge honej-combed rock, and approached the opening in the 
earth from which the steam was escaping. The orifice might 
have been ten inches in diameter, and from it poured a stream 
of scalding water clear as crystal, while a column of steam 
rose forty or fifty feet into the air. The whole ?nesa appeared 
to be composed of lime, soda, and sulphur deposits, the grad- 
ual accretion of years, and was blistering with a fierce heat 
from the undying fires below. It was as if we were walking 
over the surface of a freshly-burned lime-kiln, on which rain 
had just been falling. The orifice was round, and had the 
appearance of having been artificially lined with coarse porce- 
lain. It was higher than the hill around it, showing clearly 
that it was gradually rising steadily from below by the accu- 
mulation of its own deposits, as a brick chimney increases in 
height as brick after brick is added to it by the mason. A kind 
of basin several feet in width surrounded the orifice, and in 
this orifice were many curious lime-formations, some resem- 
bling coral, others round and polished, as if by the wheel of the 
lapidary ; others still polished on one side, and on the other 
presenting the appearance of a basket of wax-flowers. We 
went on to another and still larger spring. There was a 
low rumbling sound accompanying the action of the first. 
The second worked, exactly like a steam-pump, with a steady, 
regular stroke, the water being thrown out, not in a continu- 
ous stream, but in jets corresponding with the regular strokes 
of a piston. As we stood over it, we could hardly divest our- 
selves of the impression that we were standing above a well- 
regulated steam-engine in full operation, as, in fact, we were. 
We timed the pulsations with our watches, and counted just 
one hundred in a minute. From many small orifices, some 
not larger round than one's finger, all around us the steam 
was escaping, and the whole mesa seemed a mere crast perfo- 
rated like a cullender. We stamped with our boot-heels on the 
crumbling shell, and broke it through in one place. Below 



THERMAL WATERS. 315 

we found a mass of soft, coarse, granulated matter, red, white, 
and yellow, resembling in appearance rice-pudding well mixed 
with red- wine sauce, blistering hot as if fresh from the oven, 
and emitting a nauseating odor, of which a few sniffs were 
all-sufficient. We dug down into the mass with our hands, as 
long as we could stand the heat, and found it growing softer in 
proportion to its depth. 

" Passing on to the southward over a small divide, we saw 
a number of springs which had been running at intervals dur- 
ing the night, but were then inactive, long ribbons of ice run- 
ning out from them over the side of the mesa, and down into 
the plain three hundred feet below, where all the water sinks 
and disappears. Others, projecting, in some cases, three or four 
feet above the surface of the hill, appeared to have completely 
choked themselves up with their own deposits, and ceased to 
operate entirely, the water finding an escape elsewhere. 

"Looking southward along the height extending over 
half a mile of space, we saw dozens of these hot- water volca- 
noes, if we may be permitted the expression, in full operation, 
and an immense number of others quiet for the moment, 
but bearing evidence of being in working order. The largest 
of those quiet for the moment had an orifice as large as 
a sugar-hogshead, and was filled to the surface with clear, 
sparkling water. The sun was now well up in the heavens, 
and the air, especially where affected by the clouds of steam, 
warm enough to make trie temptation to indulge in a tepid 
bath almost irresistible. The water in the basin, though not 
boiling, was not quite cold enough for bathing purposes, and 
we concluded to wander on a little farther and wait for it to 
cool. . . . Finding, at last, a shallow pool of water which had 
run down from a spring then quiet, we sat down, and stripping 
our heated feet gave them a soaking, while we waited for the 
cooling of that in the basin of the great spring above ns, and 
looked around on the strange scene about us. . . . 

" While we were sitting with our feet in the tepid water, 
discussing the formation of the place, a low droning, moaning 
sound came up from the deep bosom of the hill, followed by a 



31G 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



sharp c Clap ! clap ! clap ! ' as if a pair of giant-hands had 
been struck together three times with force ; then with a tre- 
mendous swash a torrent of scalding water flew into the air, 
scattering in all directions from the great spring in which we 
had just been proposing to bathe, and poured in a stream ten 
feet wide down the hill." 



DES CHUTES HOT SPRINGS. 



Location.— Wasco County, Oregon. 
Access. . 

Hotel. . (Unimproved.) 





ANALYSIS. 




le pint contains (143° and 145° Fahr. L. 


M. Dornbach and Prof. 




Horsford) : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


. , 


. 4.312 


Chloride of potassium 


. 


0.250 


Chloride of sodium 


. 


. 2.552 


Chloride of magnesium 


. 


0.152 


Sulphate of soda 


. 


. 1.183 


Sulphate of lime . 


. 


0.228 


Silicate of soda 


. 


. 1.025 


Iron 


• 


. . trace. 


Total . 


. 9.702 


Gas. 




Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 


. 


2.82 



E. N. 



Properties. — This is a valuable muriated-alkaline thermal 
water, according to the analysis, of which there are few in this 
country. 

Remarks. — These springs are described by G. J. S. Newber- 
ry, M. D., geologist of the U. S. Exploring Expedition, as fol- 
lows : 

" At different points along the valley of the "Wam-Chuck 
River, hot springs issue from the base of the cliffs which 
bound it. The number of these springs is large, and two or 
three of them quite copious. They issue from fissures in the 
rock, the water flowing from them collecting in basins of 
several feet in diameter, thence flowing into the Wam-Chuck 



THERMAL WATERS. 



317 



River, and giving it its name. The temperature of two of 
these springs was respectively 143° and 145° Fahr. The 
water holds large quantities of silica in solution, but has a 
bland and pleasant taste." — ( Government Explorations for 
Pacific Railroad^ vol. vi., p. 49.) 



HOT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas, and 
Chesapeake & Ohio Railroads, to Millboro, one hundred and ninety-six miles 
southwest (Millboro Hotel) ; or to Covington, two hundred and twenty-five 
miles southwest (McCurdy's Hotel). From Millboro, twenty miles by stage. 
From Covington, nineteen miles by stage. Tbe latter route is preferable for 
invalids. From Richmond, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, one hundred 
and seventy-six miles to Millboro, and two hundred and five miles to Covington. 
From the west, via Cincinnati and Ohio River, to Huntington, one hundred and 
sixty-five miles east ; thence, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Covington, 
two hundred and fourteen miles southeast. 

Hotel. — Hot Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains— 


Ladies' Boiler-Bath, 

110" Fahr. 
Prof. Wm. Gilham. 


Ladies' Sulphur- 
Bath, 102° Fahr. 
Col. Wm. Gilham. 


Gentlemen's Pleas- 
ure-Bath, 78° Fahr. 
Col. Wm. Gilham. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.335 
0.014 
2.163 
0.200 
0.015 
0.163 
0.123 
0.707 
0.217 
0.218 


Grains. 
0.350 
0.008 
2.055 
0.021 
0.017 
0.228 
0.126 
0.638 
0.263 
0.171 


Grains. 
0.252 




0.010 




1.185 


Chloride of potassium 


0.020 
0.016 




0.071 




0.106 




0.133 




0.378 


Silica 


0.086 






Total 


4.170 


3.877 


2.257 







Properties. — As will be seen by the analyses, these waters 
contain but a small proportion of mineral constituents, not 
sufficient to be considered an active agent in curing the mala- 
dies that are relieved by them. Their efficacy is doubtless 
due to elevated temperature. Every convenience has been 
arranged for utilizing the water in the form of baths. For 
reference, we insert a table giving the temperatures of the 
various baths and capacity. The first column gives the tern- 



318 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



perature as published in the pamphlet issued by the springs 
company ; the second column as found by myself in company 
with Prof. Cabell, on August 22, 1871 : 



TEMPEEATTJEE AND CAPACITY OE BATHS. 



NAME OF BATH. 






. a 
it 



Capacity. 



Ladies' pleasure-bath 

Gentlemen's pleasure-bath 

Ladies' boiler-baths (four pools) 

Gentlemen's boiler-baths (four pools) 

Ladies' sulphur-bath 

Gentlemen's sulphur-bath 

Ladies' hot spout-bath 

Gentlemen's hot spout-bath 

Warm baths (four) 

Octagon 

Specific 

No.5 

i Mud-vat 
Warm pool 
Cold pool 



86° 
. 78° 
108° 

102° 

108° 



100° 

48° 



76° 

102i° tol03£° 

98°' 

106° 

99r 

102£° 
97° 

100° 



15 



7,573 

27,646 
1,197 
1,19? 

11,968 

10,532 

3,231 

8,415 

561 

16,500 



1,047 
5,386 
3,590 



The spout and boiler baths are worthy of especial mention. 
The first consists of a large quadrangular room. On entering, 
you find yourself on a raised platform, surrounding a deep, 
cistern-like-looking vat, fifteen feet square and as many deep. 
From one side of the wall, on a level with the platform, the 
steaming water spouts out in a full stream, two inches in di- 
ameter, and falls in a graceful curve into the water below. The 
bather descends a pair of stairs into the water and places him- 
self under the descending stream, which, by change of his po- 
sition, may be made to fall on any part of the body. The 
temperature of the spout at the point of emergence varies 
from 106° to 108° Fahr., but some degrees of heat are lost in 
its fall, so that it is not quite that temperature when it strikes 
the body. 

The boiler-baths, eight in number, vary in temperature 
from 102° to 108° Fahr. They are eight feet by four, and five 
feet deep. For the convenience of infirm and crippled pa- 



THERMAL WATERS. 319 

tients, two of each are arranged with chairs suspended by rope 
and pulley. The patient is placed in the chair, and then it is 
permitted gradually to descend into the hot water. At the 
end of the required time the chair is elevated and the person 
assisted in dressing, or he may recline for some time on a cot, 
close at hand, until rested and desirous of returning to the 
hotel. 

The mud-bath consists of a thick mixture of earth from the 
adjacent valley, w T ith water from the springs at a temperature 
of about 100° Fahr. After having remained in this mixture for 
some time, the patient passes under a small spout-bath, in an 
adjoining compartment, and the mud is thus quickly removed. 
This bath is supposed to be of especial value in rheumatic af- 
fections and diseases of the skin. 

These waters are a most valuable therapeutic agent in the 
treatment of the following diseases : Chronic rheumatism, 
gout, diseases of the liver, associated with congestion and en- 
gorgement, neuralgia, contractions of joints (false anchylosis), 
and secondary and tertiary syphilis which has proved rebellious 
to the usual modes of treatment. In cases of paralysis and 
paraplegia, unaccompanied by organic lesions and in which 
there is no inflammatory action, they have given favorable 
results. Concretions and enlargements of joints, the result 
of the rheumatic or gouty diathesis, are sometimes resolved 
under their use. 

In conversation with Prof. Cabell, of the University of 
Virginia, resident physician, he said he found cases of chronic 
rheumatism, accompanied with contractions of the joints, quite 
rebellious to treatment when the patients are anaemic ; but 
that, on the contrary, most marked benefit is derived in ple- 
thoric cases. In gout of an adynamic type similar difficulty 
is met with. He also said he had treated several cases of 
seven and twenty-one day intermittent fever, that had proved 
rebellious to nine months' treatment at Charlottesville, Vir- 
ginia, a place where intermittent fever is unknown as an en- 
demic disease. They were students at the university from 
southern climates. On coming to the Hot Springs the first 



320 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

effect of the baths was to change the fever into a tertian, which 
then very readily yielded to the usual medicines, associated 
with the baths, and permanent relief obtained. 

Remarks. — These springs are located in a most charming 
valley, at the summit of the mountains. Five miles distant 
are the Warm Springs. The Healing Springs are three miles 
away. On an elevated plateau, on the banks of what may be 
called the Hot Springs Creek, are the hotel buildings. The 
baths are in the valley. From the piazza of the hotel a beau- 
tiful mountain-view is had to the northwest, through a niche 
in the ridge. The hotel is open through the entire year. 

The prevailing temperature is similar to that at the Heal- 
ing Springs, which see. 

SALT LAKE HOT SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. 
Hotels. — Walker's, Salt Lake, Revier. 



ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains — 




Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of lime and magnesia 


0.447 


Chloride of sodium . . . 


. 2.443 


Chloride of magnesium . . . 


0.066 


Chloride of calcium .... 


. 0.566 


Sulphate of soda . . . 


0.692 


Peroxide of iron .... 


. 0.021 



Total . . . . . 4.235 

The above combinations have been arranged by J. G. 
Rogers, M. D., from an analysis in elements given by C. T. 
Jackson, M. D., of Boston. 

Properties. — This water belongs to the group of thermal 
sulphur-waters. Unlike the majority of warm waters, it con- 
tains a considerable proportion of mineral constituents. It is 
valuable in diseases of the skin, chronic rheumatism, etc. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated one mile north of 
the North Gate of the cit}', and supply the city baths. They 
are much resorted to by invalids. 



THERMAL WATERS. 321 

Two miles farther north another group of hot springs 
occur, of a still higher temperature — 128° Fahr. They break 
forth at the base of a rock where the mountain rises from the 
plain. The waters flow into a lake near by, known as the 
Hot Springs Lake, three miles long and one mile wide. 

WARM SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Bath Court-House, Bath County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, one hundred and ninety-six miles south- 
west, to Millboro Depot (Millboro Hotel) ; thence, fifteen miles by stage. 
From the west, via Cincinnati and the Ohio River, to Huntington, one hun- 
dred and sixty-five miles east ; thence, via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, two 
hundred and fourteen miles southeast, to Covington (McCurdy's Hotel) ; 
thence, by stage, twenty-two miles. 

Hotel. — Springs. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (96° to 98° Fahr. A. H. Hayes, M. D.) : 
Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of lime . . • . .0.653 

Sulphate of lime ...... 1.816 

Crenate of iron . . . . .0.312 

Silicates of magnesia and alumina . 0.216 



Total -tg . 2.997 

Gases. Cubic in. 

Carbonic acid . . . 1.80 

Sulphuretted hydrogen J . . 0.04 

Nitrogen * . . . . . . 0.41 

Properties. — This water is limpid, has a slight styptic taste, 
some odor of sulphuretted hydrogen, and the temperature is 
98° Fahr. The flow has been estimated at six thousand gal- 
lons per minute, forming a stream sufficient to move a mill. 
The temperature of these baths, as taken by myself, August 
24, 1871, was as follows : Gentlemen's swimming-bath, 97.4° 
Fahr. at the south steps, undoubtedly 98° Fahr. at the centre ; 
gentlemen's spout, 96.4° Fahr. ; temperature of ladies' baths 
about the same; drinking-fountain, 96.8° Fafcr. The large 
swimming-bath is forty feet in diameter, and contains forty- 

1 From an analysis by another chemist. 



322 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

three thousand gallons of water. There are four other baths, 
of which two are spout-baths. 

The action of these waters is sedative in most instances. 
Immersion in the bath gives rise to a sense of voluptuous re- 
pose ; and, as the hand is passed over the body, the surface 
presents a velvet smoothness, as though anointed with some 
delicate ointment. On emerging from the bath this smooth- 
ness is still retained, and continues for twelve hours after. 
This bath may justly be compared to the " Bains des delices " 
of Molitg, France, or the Serpent Bath of Schlangenbad, Nas- 
sau, of which a Frenchman said, " One becomes absolutely in 
love with himself in this bath." The water has also been ap- 
propriately compared with those of Wildbad, near Stuttgart. 
The unctuous quality of this water, which is also possessed 
by the waters named, has not been made note of heretofore. 
It is very peculiar, the cause therefor not being known. This 
quality of certain waters has been variously ascribed, by Eu- 
ropean writers, to the presence of silicates, the monosulphuret 
of sodium, or an organic matter, the latter with most proba- 
bility. The duration of the bath should be from fifteen min- 
utes to half an hour. Many remain longer, but the last-named 
period is sufficient for securing all the remedial action of the 
water, and guards against too great relaxation. 

The diseases to which these waters are applicable are 
chronic and subacute rheumatism (in subacute cases prefera- 
ble), gout, neuralgia, congestive amenorrhea and dysmenor- 
rhcea, and in nephritic and calculous diseases, by its soothing 
effects. The spout-bath, arranged with an ascending douche, 
is especially useful in dysmenorrhcea of the type named. From 
analogy, we should expect these waters to prove useful in pso- 
riasis, lichen, pityriasis, and other squamous eruptions, but data 
are wanting. As a warm pleasure-bath these waters are un- 
surpassed, and will always be sought with especial favor by 
ladies. 

Remarks. — The natural surroundings of these springs are 
exceedingly attractive. .They lie in a beautiful valley at the 
summit of the Warm Springs Mountain. From the springs an 



THERMAL WATERS. 323 

easy and most delightful road leads up to Flag Hock, two 
thousand four hundred feet above the sea, a point in the moun- 
tain-crest which gives a far-extended view, over verdant hill 
and vale, of fifty or sixty miles in every direction. To the 
eastward, in the distance, is House Mountain, and the Blue 
Ridge reaching far away to the northeast. To the southward, 
the Peaks of Otter may be seen on a clear day. Far to the 
northwest and west are the Alleghanies ; while, looking down 
into the valley, we behold the hotel and outlying cottages, 
charmingly nestled amid the trees. 

On the road from Millboro to the springs the Blowing 
Gave is passed. It was thus described by Thomas Jefferson : 
" It is in the side of a hill, is of about one hundred feet ill 
diameter, and emits constantly a current of air of such force 
as to keep the weeds prostrate to the distance of twenty yards 
before it. This current is strongest in dry, frosty weather, 
and, in long spells of rain, weakest." At the time I passed 
(August, 1871), the outward current was exceedingly strong, 
and of a coolness to render one chilly if he remained in it for 
any time. 

HEALING SPRINGS. 1 

Location and Post-Office. — Healing Springs, Bath County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, two hundred and twenty-five miles south- 
west, to Covington (McCurdy's Hotel) ; thence, sixteen miles by stage, to the 
springs. From Richmond, two hundred and five miles by Chesapeake & 
Ohio Railroad, to Covington. From the west, via Cincinnati and the Ohio 
River, to Huntington, one hundred and sixty-five miles east; thence, via Chesa- 
peake and Ohio Railroad, two hundred and fourteen miles southeast, to Cov- 
ington. 

Hotel. — Healing Springs. 

Properties. — This water corresponds very nearly in tem- 
perature to the Schlangenbad of Nassau, though in chemical 
constituents and therapeutic value it differs. It has been 
well named, as it finds appropriate application to all ulcerated 
conditions, whether of the skin or mucous membrane. In 

1 See Analysis, page 324. 
15 



324 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



ANALYSIS 






One pint contains — 


Old Spring. 

85° Fahr. 

Prof. Wm. E. A. Aikin, 

M. D. 


New Spring. 

88° Fahr. 

Prof. Wm. E. A. Aikin, 

M. D. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

0.156 

0.009 

2.238 

0.029 

0.034 

0.2T6 

0.906 

0.022 

0.165 

0.029 • 

trace. 

trace. 

0.23T 

0.107 


Grains. 
0.246 




0.034 




2.340 




0.032 




0.036 




0.316 




0.924 




0.013 




0.158 




0.029 












228 




0.109 






Total 


4.208 

Cubic in. 
0.58 


4.465 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 
0.60 







many such cases its efficacy is undoubted. In this class are 
embraced all scrofulous ulcers, scrofulous ophthalmia, ozwna, 
chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, and many forms of secondary 
and tertiary syphilis and diseases of the skin known as scrofu- 
lides. It has also given relief in cases of gout and neuralgia. 
It should be stated that the forms of chronic diarrhoea and 
dysentery to which it is applicable are those accompanied 
with great irritability and hyperemia of the mucous mem- 
brane as shown by a red tongue. In the opposite condition, 
other waters will prove more useful. M. H. Houston, M. D., 
of Richmond, Va., who has given considerable attention to 
the study of these waters, in an article in the Hichmond and 
Louisville Medical Journal testifies as follows: "The Heal- 
ing-Spring water will be found to be slightly hypnotic, seda- 
tive, diuretic, diaphoretic, and alterative. Unless it be in ex- 
ceptional cases of very rare occurrence it produces no cathartic 
effect — indeed, in a majority of cases it rather tends to produce 
constipation. Nor is it possessed of any very direct tonic effect, 
the small quantity of iron it contains being scarcely adequate 
to this purpose. The invigoration which follows its use is 
mainlv due to its alterative power, and by alterative I mean a 
rapid transformation of the tissues in every part of the body ; 



THERMAL WATERS. 325 

a transformation which, by absorbing and eliminating the old 
tissues, creates a keen demand for the materials to supply the 
deficiency in the organism. The alterative effect is secondary, 
the primitive being sedative and hypnotic. In ordinary cases, 
the properly regulated use of the water is followed by a de- 
cided inclination to sleep. ... In general terms, it may be 
safely stated that benefit is not to be expected from the use 
of this water in disease of whatever kind attended by relaxed 
fibre and impaired sensibility, unless these have been caused 
by morbid deposits ; and that it may be recommended with 
confidence for all curable chronic diseases accompanied or not 
by constitutional irritation, and attended by local hyperemia 
and exalted or perverted sensibility." 

In these springs there is a confervoid growth, no doubt 
depending on the presence of soluble organic matter for its 
development. It is a soft, green, silken moss, about an inch 
to two inches in length, and found clinging to the walls of the 
reservoirs, pools, and baths. It is formed with much rapidity, 
for, if all the moss be removed from a surface on the wall of 
the reservoir, on the next day it will be found to have been 
reproduced. This moss is used in the form of an epithem as 
a dressing' for ulcerated surfaces, having been previously satu- 
rated with the spring's water. It acts as an irritant, retaining 
the water in contact with the diseased surface, and probably 
containing some of the active ingredients of the water within 
its structure, by which it cleanses the ulcer. Persons using 
the moss should distinguish between it and the large and 
coarse growth which forms in great abundance in the reser- 
voir. 

The external use of the water in most cases should be 
combined with the internal, and for this purpose there are 
swimming-baths, private baths, and facilities for heating the 
water to any required temperature, though the natural tem- 
perature of the swimming-baths — 80° to 84° Fahr. — is best 
adapted to the majority of cases. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated in the valley run- 
ning along the summit of the Warm Springs Mountain, six- 



326 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

teen miles from Covington by stage. The road up the 
mountain presents exceedingly fine views of the valley of 
Jackson's River, while within a few miles of the springs is 
the beautiful cataract of the Falling Springs, a sheet of wa- 
ter one hundred yards in breadth, which is precipitated over 
a perpendicular cliff to the depth of one hundred and fifty 
feet. A short walk from the springs are the Cascades, well 
worth a visit. 

The following table gives the averages of temperature at 
these springs for the years and months named. It will apply 
almost equally well to the climate of the Hot Springs and 
Warm Springs on the same mountain : 

AVERAGES OP TEMPERATURE AT HEALING SPRINGS. 



1868. 


6 A.M. 


12 m. 


6 p.m. 


10 P. M. 


11 P. M. 


July, . 


68.2° F. 


81.7° F. 


74.8° F. 


69.1° F. 


66.8° F. 


August, . 


64.5 


75.9 


67.9 


.... 


62.8 


September, . 


57.6 


79.4 


60.7 


.... 


57.2 


October, to 8th, 


54.5 


65.3 


55.3 





5.27 


18T0. 












July, . 


66.2 


81.6 




69.1 


.... 


August, 


62.7 


79.2 


.... 


66.8 


.... 


September, 


55. 


73.9 


.... 


60.7 


.... 


October, to 8th, 


50.7 


68.9 


.... 


44. 


.... 


1871. 












June, from 19th, 


63.2 


79. 


.... 


66.2 


.... 


July, 


61. 


77.7 




64.8 


.... 


August, to 21st, 


63.3 


83. 


.... 


68.5 


.... 


On October 8, 1870 


there was frost. 


On October 20, 1868, there was 


snow. 













These observations were taken with an ordinary thermom- 
eter ; nevertheless they answer a good purpose till more accu- 
rate observations are made. 

AMERICAN GEYSERS. 

Location. — Wyoming Territory. 

Access. — From St. Paul, Minnesota, to Fort Beaton, Montana, eight hun- 
dred and seventy-five miles northwestwardly in a direct line ; thence to He- 
lena, one hundred and ten miles south (direct line) ; thence, via Gallatin City, 



THERMAL WATERS. 327 

to Fort Ellis, one hundred and twenty miles southeast; thence several days' 
journey southward. 

In this distant and almost inaccessible country a series of 
geysers have lately been discovered which, according to descrip- 
tions, surpass any in the world. Although frequently seen by 
trappers, their tales were regarded as the idle extravagances 
in which that class so frequently indulge. In the autumn of 
1870, however, an exploring party of adventurous gentlemen, 
under General H. D. Washburn, ventured into the unknown 
region, and there found some of the most wonderful natural 
phenomena. They saw a water-fall, in one continuous, com- 
pact, glistening sheet, one hundred and fifty feet broad and 
three hundred and fifty feet in descent, by actual measure- 
ment. They passed — amid volcanoes and boiling-springs of 
colored waters — places where the earth was hot under foot, 
and shook under the tread. But, most wonderful of all were 
the geysers. From a report of the expedition, in /Scribner's 
Monthly, we extract the following : 

" Our search for new wonders leading us across the Fire- 
Hole River, we ascended a gentle incrusted slope, and came 
suddenly upon a large oval aperture with scalloped edges, the 
diameters of which were eighteen and twenty-five feet, the 
sides corrugated and covered with a grayish-white silicious 
deposit, which was distinctly visible at the depth of one hun- 
dred feet below the surface. No water could be discovered, 
but we could distinctly hear it gurgling and boiling at a great 
distance below. Suddenly it began to rise, boiling and splut- 
tering, and sending out huge masses of steam, causing a gen- 
eral stampede of our company, driving us some distance from 
our point of observation. When within about forty feet of the 
surface it became stationary, and we returned to look down 
upon it. It was foaming and surging at a terrible rate, occa- 
sionally emitting small jets of hot water nearly to the mouth 
of the orifice. All at once it seemed seized with a fearful 
spasm, and rose with incredible rapidity, hardly affording us 
time to flee to a safe distance, when it burst from the orifice 
with terrific momentum, rising in a column the full size of this 



328 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

immense aperture to the height of sixty feet ; and through 
and out of the apex of this vast aqueous mass, five or six 
lesser jets or round columns of water, varying in size from six 
to fifteen inches in diameter, were projected to the marvellous 
height of two hundred and fifty feet. These lesser jets, so 
much higher than the main column, and shooting through it, 
doubtless proceed from auxiliary pipes leading into the prin- 
cipal orifice near the bottom, where the explosive force is 
greater. If the theory that water by constant boiling becomes 
explosive when freed from air be true, this theory rationally 
accounts for all irregularities in the eruptions of the geysers. 

" This grand eruption continued for twenty minutes, and 
was the most magnificent sight we ever witnessed. We were 
standing on the side of the geyser nearest the sun, the gleams 
of which filled the sparkling column of water and spray with 
myriads of rainbows, whose arches were constantly changing 
— dipping and fluttering hither and thither, and disappearing 
only to be succeeded by others, again and again, amid the 
aqueous column, while the minute globules into which the 
spent jets were diffused when falling sparkled like a shower 
of diamonds, and around every shadow which the denser 
clouds of vapor, interrupting the sun's rays, cast upon the 
column, could be seen a luminous circle radiant with all the 
colors of the prism, and resembling the halo of glory repre- 
sented in paintings as encircling the head of Divinity. All 
that we had previously witnessed seemed tame in comparison 
with the perfect grandeur and beauty of this display. Two of 
these wonderful eruptions occurred during the twenty-two 
hours we remained in the valley. This geyser we named 
« The Giantess.' 

" A hundred yards distant from * The Giantess ' was a sili- 
cious cone, very symmetrical but slightly corrugated upon its 
exterior surface, three feet in height and five feet in diameter 
at its base, and having an oval orifice twenty-four by thirty-six 
and one-half inches in diameter, with scalloped edges. Not 
one of our company supposed that it was a geyser ; and among 
so many wonders it had almost escaped notice. While we 



THERMAL WATERS. 329 

were at breakfast upon the morning of our departure a col- 
umn of water, entirely filling the crater, shot from it, which, 
by actual triangular measurement, we found to be two hun- 
dred and nineteen feet in height. The stream did not deflect 
more than four or five degrees from a vertical line, and the 
eruption lasted eighteen minutes. We named it ' The Bee- 
hive.' " 

Five other geysers were observed by the exploring party, 
which were variously named according to the degree of activ- 
ity, the shape of the column of water, or the form of the sili- 
cious deposit about the orifice. 

" Old Faithful " was the first geyser observed by the party, 
and was so named from its continuous activity, not having in- 
termitted more than an hour during their stay, and spouting 
for fifteen or twenty minutes each time. The crater is five 
feet by three, and elevated five or six feet above the surround- 
ing earth. The column of water was eighty or ninety feet 
high. 

" The Fan " was named from the fan-shaped column of 
water which it throws out. The height of the stream was 
about sixty feet, and it continued in action from ten to twenty 
minutes. 

" The Grotto " received its name from the form of the cra- 
ter, which is about ten feet, high, and twenty feet through the 
base, with several large openings. Connected with this, by a 
ridge of incrustations, was a smaller mound, about five feet 
high. Through one of the side-openings one of the party 
crawled to the discharging orifice — about four feet in diameter 
— from which, a few hours afterward, a column of boiling- 
water shot to the height of sixty feet. The discharge con- 
tinued for half an hour. 

" The Castle " is situated on the summit of an incrusted 
mound, and has a turret-shaped crater, with an orifice about 
three feet in diameter. The water issues from this geyser to 
a height of about fifty feet. 

" The Giant " has a rugged crater ten feet in diameter on 
the outside, with an irregular orifice five or six feet in diam- 



330 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



eter. It resembles a miniature model of the Coliseum. The 
column of water, which shot upward from it, was five feet in 
diameter and one hundred and forty-five feet in height. It 
continued to flow for nearly three hours. 

The party did not analyze the waters. The sinter was both 
carboniferous and silicious, the latter characteristic predomi- 
nating ; and we may with confidence conclude that the waters 
contain considerable silica in solution. 

The springs observed in this region, which resembled boil- 
ing mud, deposited a sediment of various colors — some white, 
some delicate lavender, and others of a brilliant pink. An 
analysis of specimens of this sediment, by Prof. Augustus 
Steitz, gave the following result : 

ANALYSIS. 



Solids. 


White Sediment. 
Per cent. 


Lavender Sediment. 
Per cent. 


Pink Sediment. 
Per cent. 


Silica 


42.2 

33.4 

IT. 8 

6.6 


28.2 

"4". 2 

58 ".6 
8.2 
0.6 

*5*.2 


32.6 








8.3 








52.4 












4.2 


Water and loss 


2.5 






Total 


100.0 


100.0 


100.0 







CHAPTER XVII. 

UNCLASSIFIED WATEES. 

ALABASTER CAVE SPRING. 

Location. — El Dorado County, California. 

Access. — Go to Folsom, a station on the Sacramento Yalley Railroad, 
twenty miles east from Sacramento ; thence by stage, ten miles. 
Hotel.— Cave Hotel. 

Analysis. — None. 

Remarks. — This spring is in a cave, known as Alabaster 
Cave. The cave was discovered in 18G0, by William Gwynn, 
whose workmen were engaged in quarrying stone near b}\ It 
is not large, but is said to be even more beautiful than Mam- 
moth Cave. Mr. Gwynn says : " On our first entrance we de- 
scended about fifteen feet to the centre of the room, which is 
about one hundred by thirty feet. At the north end there is 
a magnificent pulpit in the Episcopal Church style. It is com- 
pleted by beautiful drapery of alabaster stalactites of all colors, 
varying from white to pink-red, which overhang the beholder. 
Immediately under the pulpit is a lake of water, extending an 
unknown distance. On arriving at the centre of the first room 
we saw another still more splendid, two hundred by thirty feet, 
with the most beautiful alabaster overhanging us in every pos- 
sible shape." • There are several apartments, known respec- 
tively as Crystal Chapel, Dungeon of Enchantment, Julia 
Bower, and Picture Gallery. 

Within this cave is a spring, which, according to S. Powers, 
Esq., is "literally freezing over with alabaster ice, about as 
thick as window-glass." He says: "I put my hand under it, 



332 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

and found it of the same thickness all over, and graining on 
the edges with particles not yet attached." 

Visitors so wishing, may have the entire cave illuminated, 
thus adding to the beauty of the scene. 

SUMMIT SODA SPRINGS. 

Location. — Alpine County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco to Summit Station, on the Central Pacific 
Railroad, two hundred and forty-three miles east ; thence by private convey- 
ance. 

Hotel. — Summit Hotel, at the station. 

Analysis. — None. The water is said to possess a chalybe- 
ate taste, and precipitate a red deposit. It is highly charged 
with gas, supposed to be carbonic acid. {See Appendix.) 

Remarks. — This is an exceedingly desirable resort for those 
who wish to breathe mountain-air, obtain a large amount of 
exercise, and enjoy camp-life. Summit Station is seven thou-, 
sand and forty feet above the sea, and the surrounding moun- 
tain-tops attain a height of fifteen thousand and eighty-six 
feet. At the Summit Hotel horses are procured, and a delight- 
ful ride of some miles awaits the traveller. The road winds 
through dense forests of pines, cedars, firs, and tamarack ; gay- 
colored wild-flowers deck the earth in profusion, while the 
openings in the wood disclose magnificent views of valleys 
and mountain-peaks. 

Near the springs is abundance of sport; grouse, quail, 
ground-hogs, badger, and deer, are plenty, and easily secured. 

A correspondent states that $100 or $150 would pay the 
entire expense of a party of three or four, for two or even four 
weeks. 

TUSCAN SPRINGS. 

Location. — Tehama County, California. 

Access. — From Sacramento, via Oregon Division Central Pacific Railroad, 
north to Tehama, six hours ; thence by stage. 
Hotel. . 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis has been made. 
Remarks. — " The waters of the Tuscan Springs have con- 



UNCLASSIFIED WATERS. 333 

siderable repute for their medicinal qualities, especially in the 
cure of rheumatic and syphilitic diseases. The temperature 
(October, 1862) was 76° Fahr. They contain common salt, 
carbonate of soda, borate of soda, salts of lime, and evolve 
some sulphuretted hydrogen and a large quantity of carbu- 
retted hydrogen, which is collected, partially purified, and 
burned for heating the water under the steam-baths." * 

VICHY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — New Almaden, Santa Clara County, California. 
Access. — From San Francisco, forty-seven miles south, to San Jose ; thence 
twelve miles by stage. 
Hotel. — Yichy Springs. 

Analysis. — {See Appendix) 

BARTLETT SPRINGS. 

Location. — Colusa County, California. 

Access. — Go to Lakeport, Lake County ; thence, by mountain-road, over 
a range several thousand feet high. 

Hotel. . 

Analysis. . 



Remarks. — These springs first became known during the 
summer of 1871, and were one of the California sensations. 
Thousands underwent the fatiguing journey across the moun- 
tain in search of this new-found spring, which, like that which 
De Leon sought, was to restore them to youth and vigor. The 
rush thither shows there are numbers in every community 
ready for a Quixotic chase after the fountain of eternal youth. 

ADAMS SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Adams Springs, Lake County, California. 
Access. — From Calistoga or Lower Lake. 
Hotel. . 

Analysis. — None. {See Appendix.) 

Remarks. — These springs were located in 1871. They are 
situated about two miles from Cobb Valley, between the Gey- 

1 "Geological Survey of California," vol. i., p. 208. 



334 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

sers and Seigler's. The water is said to resemble that of the 
Vichy Springs, Santa Clara County. 

NAPA SODA SPRINGS. 

Location. — Napa County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, by steamer, to Vallejo ; thence, by Napa 
Valley Railroad, to Napa City ; thence by stage. 
Hotel. — Napa Springs. 

Analysis. — None. (See Appendix.) 
Remarks. — These waters are bottled, and consumed in the 
State in considerable quantities. 

HARBINES SPRINGS. 

Location. — Lake County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, by Napa Valley Railroad, to Calistoga; 
thence by stage. 

Hotel. — Harbines Springs. 

Analysis. — None. (See Appendix.) 

SAN RAFAEL SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — San Rafael Springs, Marin County, California. 
Access. — From San Francisco across the bay by steamboat. 
Hotel. — San Rafael Springs. 

Analysis. — None. 

CRYSTAL SPRINGS. 

Location. — San Mateo County, California. 

Access. — Go to San Mateo, a station on the San Jose branch of the Cen- 
tral Pacific Railroad, about twenty miles south of San Francisco ; thence by 
stage. 

Hotel. — Crystal Springs. 

Analysis. — None. 

ST. LEON SPRINGS. 

Location. — St. Leon, Three Rivers, Quebec, Canada. 
Access. — By steamer, on the St. Lawrence, to Three Rivers; thence, 
twenty-six miles, by stage. 
Hotels- . 

Analysis. — . 



UNCLASSIFIED WATERS. 335 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPRINGS, 

Location. — Boulder County, Colorado. 

Post-Office. — Jamestown, Boulder County, Colorado. 

Access. — Go to Denver ; thence, via Denver City & Boulder Valley Rail- 
road, to Erie, thirty-four miles ; thence twenty miles, by private conveyance 
(until the railroad is finished) to Boulder City ; thence ten miles by pri- 
vate conveyance. 

Hotel. — Mountain House. 

Analysis. — A quantitative analysis states that the waters 
contain carbonate of soda, carbonate of magnesia, carbonate 
of iron, and free carbonic-acid gas. 

Remarks. — These springs are located two miles from 
Jamestown, amid the mountains, at an elevation of six thou- 
sand five hundred feet above the sea. 

VARENNES SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Varennes, Vercheres County, Quebec, Canada. 
Access. — By steamboat, from Montreal down the St. Lawrence, fifteen 
miles. 

Hotel. . 

Analysis. — None. 

ORANGE SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office. — Orange Spring, Marion County, Florida. 

Access. — Go by coast steamers to Pilatka, on the St. John's River ; thence, 
by steamboat on Thursdays and Saturdays, about twenty-five miles south. 
Or go to Jacksonville, Florida ; thence about sixty miles south, by boat, to 
Pilatka. 

Hotel. — Ocklawaha House. 

Analysis. — None. 

BERKSHIRE SODA SPRING. 

Location. — Berkshire County, Massachusetts. 
Post-Office. — Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. 
Access. — From Great Barrington, a station on the Housatonic Railroad, 
two and a half miles by carriage or stage. 
Hotel. — Soda Springs House. 

Analysis. — No quantitative analysis. Said to contain chlo- 
rine, carbonic acid, soda, and alumina. 



336 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Remarks. — These waters have been highly praised in dar- 
trous eruptions. 

The hotel is situated amid the mountains and hills of Berk- 
shire — so celebrated for their quiet beauty. 

BETHESDA SPRINGS. 

Location. — Lumpkin County, Georgia. 

Post-Office. — Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. 

Access. — Go to Atlanta ; thence, via Atlanta & Richmond Airline Rail-way, 
fifty-three miles to Gainesville ; thence twenty-nine miles, by stage, to the 
springs. . 

Hotel. — Bethesda Hotel. 

Analysis. — None. 

Remarks. — These springs, three in number, arise at the 
base of a spur of Cedar Mountain. The town of Dahlonega is 
nine miles distant. 

TOGTTS SPRINGS. 

Location. — Kennebec County, Maine. 
Post-Office. — National Asylum, Kennebec County, Maine. 
Access. — By Rockland stage, from Augusta ; distance, five miles. 
Hotels. — None. 

These springs — at one time quite a resort — were purchased 
by the Board of Managers of the National Asylum for Disabled 
Volunteer Soldiers. The place is now known as the Eastern 
Branch of the National Asylum. 

FLINT'S SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, Michigan. 

Access. — Go to White Pigeon, a station on the Lake Shore & Michigan 
Southern Railroad, one hundred and twenty miles east of Chicago ; thence, 
twelve miles north by railroad, to Three Rivers. 

Hotels. — Hatch, Three Rivers. 

Analysis. — None has been made. 

Remarks. — The town is pleasantly situated at the conflu- 
ence of the St. Joseph, Rocky, and Portage Rivers. The pop- 
ulation is over three thousand. There are good accommoda- 
tions for bathing. 



UNCLASSIFIED WATERS. 337 

LATONIA SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Offiee. — Latonia Springs, Kenton County, Kentucky. 
Access. — From Covington, Kentucky, opposite Cincinnati, four miles south 
by carriage. 

Hotel. — Latonia Springs. 

Analysis. — None has been made. The mineral ingredients 
are in feeble proportion. 

GRAND LEDGE WELLS. 

Location and Post-Offiee. — Grand Ledge, Eaton County, Michigan. 
Access. — Grand Ledge is a station on the Detroit, Lansing & Lake Mich- 
igan Railroad, ninety-nine miles west of Detroit. 

Hotel. . 

Analysis. — None has been made. 

Remarks. — Grand Ledge is a town on the Grand River. 
The population is about one thousand. There are two wells 
here, and a bath-house. 

BIRCH-DALE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Concord, Merrimac County, New Hampshire. 
Access. — The springs are nearly four miles from the State-house. 
Hotel. — Birch-Dale Springs. 

Analysis. — Extracts from an analysis by C. T. Jackson, 
M D., of Boston, show these waters to contain salts of lime, 
sodium, phosphates, silicates, crenates, and a portion of iron 
and organic matter. The result as published, however, does 
not give the amount of each salt, and it is not possible to as- 
sign the water a place in the proper classification. There are 
four springs, named the Concord, Merrimac, Granite, and 
Penacook. {See Appendix.) 

ABENAQTJTS SPRINGS. 

Location. — Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. 

Post-Office. — Bellows Falls, Vermont. 

Access. — From Boston, go to Bellows Falls, via Fitchburg Railroad and 
Cheshire Railroad, one hundred and twelve miles northwest ; thence, by car- 
riage, to the springs. 

Hotel.— Fall Mountain. 

Analysis. — None. 



338 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

.Remarks. — The springs are located at the base of Fall 
Mountain. From the hotel, there is a path to Table Rock, on 
the summit of the Mountain, from which there is an extended 
view of the valley of the Connecticut. 

AMHERST SPRINGS. 

Location. — Amherst, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. 
Access. — From Boston, via Boston, Lowell & Nashua Railroad, forty-eight 
miles north, to Amherst. 
Hotel. — Amherst Spring. 

Analysis. — None. 

BRADFORD SPRINGS. 

Location. — Merrimac County, New Hampshire. 
Post-OflSce. — Bradford, Merrimac County, New Hampshire. 
Access. — From Concord, New Hampshire, via Concord & Claremont Rail- 
road, to Bradford, twenty-seven miles west ; thence, by stage, to the springs. 
Hotel. — Bradford Springs. 

Analysis. — None. 

VALDONIA SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Vallonia Springs, Broome County, New York. 
Access. — From Albany, via Albany & Susquehanna Railroad, to Afton, 
one hundred and fourteen miles southwest ; thence by stage. 
Hotel. — Spring House. 

Analysis. . 

Remarks. — This is a pleasant, quiet resort, surrounded by 
wild and romantic scenery, and affording fine opportunity for 
hunting and fishing. 

PIEDMONT SPRINGS. 

Location. — Grimes County, Texas. 

Post-Office. — Millican, Brazos County, Texas. 

Access. — Go to Houston ; thence, via Houston & Texas Central Railroad, 
eighty miles northwest, to Millican ; thence, six and a half miles, by stage, to 
the springs. 

Hotel. — Piedmont Hotel. 

Analysis. . 



UNCLASSIFIED WATERS. 339 

ELGIN SPRING. 

Location. — Addison County, Vermont. 
Post-Office. — Vergennes, Addison County, Vermont. 
Access. — Vergennes is a station on the Rutland Division of the Vermont 
Central Railroad, ninety-nine miles northwest of Bellows Falls. 
Hotel. . 



Analysis. 



CAPPERS SPRINGS. 



Location. — Frederick County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Baltimore to Harper's Ferry, eighty-one miles west ; thence, 
via Winchester Branch, to Winchester, thirty-two miles ; thence, seventeen 
miles west, to springs. 

Hotel. — Cappers Springs. 

Analysis. . 

BLUE RIDGE SPRINGS. 

Location. — Botetourt County, Virginia. 

Access. — From the line of the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad. 

Hotel.— Blue Ridge. 

Analysis. — No accurate quantitative analysis has been 
made. They are said to closely resemble the Alleghany Springs 
of Virginia. (See Appendix.) 

Remarks. — These springs are situated near the summit 
of the Blue Ridge, at an elevation of thirteen hundred feet 
above the level of the sea. 

PARKERSBTTRG MINERAL WELLS. 

Location and Post-Oflice. — Mineral Wells, Wood County, West Virginia. 

Access. — Go to Parkersburg, a terminus of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, 
on the Ohio River, either by Baltimore & Ohio Railroad or Marietta & Cin- 
cinnati Railroad ; thence six and a half miles by stage. 

Hotel. — Parshall's. 

Analysis. — A very imperfect analysis shows this water to 
contain, as the principal constituents, sulphate of magnesia, 
sulphate of soda, with some iron. The water is also charged 
with carbonic-acid gas, according to the analysis. Tempera- 
ture, 46° Fahr. The water is agreeable to the taste. 



340 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

JRemarks. — The wells are very pleasantly located on high, 
dry, and rolling land, on the margin of a beautiful valley, 
through which runs Tygart's Creek. The surrounding country 
affords the sportsman many opportunities for recreation. 

ORKNEY SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Orkney Springs, Shenandoah County, Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
to Mount Jackson, one hundred and twelve miles ; thence, twelve miles west, 
by stage. 

Hotel. — Orkney Springs. 

Analysis, — (See Appendix.) 

SHANNONDALE SPRINGS. 

Location. — Jefferson County, West Virginia. 

Access. — From Baltimore, via Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and Winchester 
& Strasburg Branch, to Charlestown, ninety-one miles west ; thence five and 
a half miles. 

Hotel.— 

Analysis. — An examination of one hundred grains of the 
solid contents, by Dr. De Butts, of Baltimore, showed these 
waters to be similar in composition to the Alleghany Springs, 
though it is impossible to say whether the substances exist in 
the same degree of concentration. 



EUEOPEAS SPAS. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



ALKALINE WATERS. 



Vichy. — France, department of Allier, one hundred and sixteen miles 
south of Paris. 

Ems. — Germany, duchy of Nassau, three and three-quarter miles east of 
Coblentz. 

Fachingen. — Germany, duchy of Nassau. 
ANALYSIS. 






One pint contains— 


VICHY.* 

Grande Grille. 

105.8° Fahr. 

Bouquet. 


FACHINGEN. 
50° Fahr. 
Fresenius. 


EMS. 

Kessel brunnen. 
115° Fahr. 
Fresenius. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

2.04 
26.00 

1.38 

0.02 
trace. 

2.31 

6!6i 
i'.io 

2^29 
0.78 

trace. 
0.01 
0.05 


Grains. 

19!4763 

1.35S0 
O.OS01 

2".6iio 

0.0004 
0.0007 

4.' 5574 
0.0034 

(U372 
0.0506 
0.0003 
0.0004 
0.0002 
0.2610 
0.0027 


Grains. 




10.5379 




0.8510 




0.0202 




0035 




1.2591 








j- 0.0030 
7.7705 












0.3937 




0.0061 






Phosphate of alumina 


0.0096 














Borate of soda 










0.3648 






Total 


38.99 

Cubic in. 

14.74 


27.9397 

Cubic in. 

32.975 

0.025 


21.2194 


GrASES. 


Cubic in. 
6 788 


Nitrogen 





* See Appendii. 



342 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Vichy. — This is probably the best known of all mineral 
waters, the fame of its baths and its cures having penetrated 
to every portion of the globe. Its essential power consists in 
the unusual combination of a high degree of thermality, with 
an exceedingly large amount of alkali, and sufficient carbonic- 
acid gas to render it palatable. The springs— of which there 
are nine in use — are not all of the same temperature. They 
range from 53° to 110° Fahr. In the analysis given the bi- 
carbonates are reduced to carbonates. The original analysis 
shows thirty-seven and a half grains of bicarbonate of soda in 
each pint of water, and the total solids amount to fifty-four 
grains, nearly one drachm. In chemical constitution the dif- 
ferent sources vary but little. 

The action of the Vichy waters varies with the individual. 
In many cases they are diuretic, while some persons are al- 
ways purged while using them. Perspiration if absent is 
usually developed, but seldom excited in a high degree. One 
fact, however, is well established, that, in the medical admin- 
istration of these waters, their efficacy in no wise depends on 
the production of their physiological effects. Like all alkaline 
waters, they render the urine alkaline. 

This water is especially applicable to dyspepsia — simple 
dyspepsia — characterized by laborious digestion, by disgust of 
food, by vertigo, acidity, and constipation. In dyspepsias ac- 
companied by catarrh, or in gastralgia, other waters prove 
more efficacious. Diseases of the liver are most satisfactorily 
influenced by these waters, the bile is liquefied, and flows more 
freely, and biliary calculi (gall-stones) are discharged without 
pain. In the case of gall-stones, one or two seasons at the 
waters frequently correct the morbid conditions that produce 
them, so that the patient is free from attacks for years. In 
regular gout, presenting in plethoric subjects, these waters 
have achieved a world-wide reputation. The treatment of this 
disease, however, by these waters, requires close circumspec- 
tion, lest the regular form of the disease be converted into ir* 
regular or metastatic gout. 

These waters have long constituted one of the admitted 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 343 

remedies in diabetes, and the combination of thermal baths 
found there favors the action of the waters in a marked de- 
gree. Under the use of Vichy waters all trace of sugar some- 
times disappears from the urine, the appetite and strength are 
restored, sleep becomes natural, thirst diminishes, and consti- 
pation ceases. In this way life is frequently prolonged for 
years. The water and baths have also proved of exceeding 
value in that grave condition known as paludal cachexia, re- 
sulting from prolonged exposure to miasma. 

The Vichy bath is usually formed one-half of mineral wa- 
ter and one ; half of ordinary water, this combination proving, 
according to Durand-Fardel, superior to the mineral water 
alone. Of private baths there are three hundred, so that from 
two thousand five hundred to three thousand baths per day 
may be given. 

The surroundings of Vichy are thus described by Constan- 
tin James : " Those who arrive at Vichy to-day (1869) — hav- 
ing not seen the place for ten years — feel the same surprise 
that those do who visit Paris after having been absent for an 
equal time. Old Vichy is lost in the midst of beautiful villas 
and splendid hotels, which surround it on every side. And 
there, where the river Allier overflowed its banks and depos- 
ited insalubrious soil, has appeared a delightful park, with its 
6anded walks, verdant shade, and magnificent lake. And the 
assembly halls, yesterday so humble and so modest, are re- 
placed to-day by a casino which rivals, if it does not surpass, 
the most beautiful in Germany." 

The popularity of Vichy is attested by the fact that twen- 
ty-three thousand persons visited the resort in 1868. 

Ems. — The waters of Ems are limpid, soft, and unctuous 
to the touch. They deposit large quantities of solid incrus- 
tations, and a brown- and-green confervoid growth forms in the 
reservoirs. As many as twenty-one springs have been counted 
at Ems. 

When these waters are taken in moderate quantity they 
cause an increased urinary secretion, and augment perspira- 
tion. The urine becomes promptly alkaline. They tend, as 



344 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

a rule, to cause constipation. If taken in considerable quan- 
tity they readily produce gastro-intestinal irritation, a result 
which is to be guarded against. 

The Ems water is especially adapted, according to Spen- 
gler, to the treatment of all chronic catarrhal affections. In 
this class we have chronic bronchitis, of the form accompanied 
by exacerbations of the cough morning and night. Cases of 
this kind are cured by this water. If the water alone proves 
too exciting, it is usual to mix it with milk or whey In those 
cases of bronchitis accompanying gout, Ems is the best resort. 
Granular pharyngitis, or clergyman's sore-throat a^s it is often 
called, is peculiarly influenced in a favorable manner by this 
water. For the treatment of this condition it is usual to mix 
the water with whey, and also to apply the gas from the 
springs — carbonic acid and nitrogen — directly to the diseased 
surfaces by means of tubes. In catarrh of the stomach, and 
also catarrh of the hepatic ducts, the water is exceedingly 
serviceable. Chronic catarrh of the bladder, accompanied by 
renal calculi, or gravel, is equally subject to favorable action. 

These waters have a well-established reputation in uterine 
catarrh. For this purpose the internal use of the water is 
combined with the ascending douche. The arrangements for 
the use of the douche, in this disease, are of the most perfect 
kind. Althaus thus describes the condition of the uterus in 
which the waters are especially successful : " The vaginal por- 
tion, and the cervix uteri, are in such instances generally dark 
red, hyperaemic, hypertrophied, and either painful to the touch 
or not ; the whole tissue of the uterus being harder and firmer 
than it is in healthy women. In many cases there is also dis- 
placement of this organ, and dysmenorrhoea or amenorrhcea 
is mostly present. The mucous membrane of the uterus 
secretes a considerable quantity of puriform mucus, and the 
cervix uteri is filled with transparent mucus. Sterility, car- 
dialgia, habitual sickness and vomiting, constipation, and vari- 
ous hysterical symptoms, are generally the consequence of this 
condition of the womb. All these symptoms are often re- 
lieved bv the Ems waters." 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 345 

Ems is an exceedingly attractive watering-place, possess- 
ing all the comforts to which the wealthy are accustomed, and 
without the incessant commotion that characterizes many of 
these resorts. The beautiful Gothic castle of Stolzenfels, on 
the Rhine, and the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, are not far 
distant. 

Fachingen. — These waters are used in the diseases to 
which the Vichy waters are applicable. The spring is not a 
resort. The water is bottled and sold largely throughout 
Europe, as much as half a million bottles being consumed an- 
nually. 

SALINE WATERS. 

Hombnrg. — Germany, Hesse-Homburg, nine miles north from Frankfort. 

Rissingen. — Bavaria, twenty-eight miles north of Wurtzburg. 

Wiesbaden. — Germany, duchy of Nassau, five and a half miles northwest 
from Mayence. 

Bourbonne. — France, department of Haute-Marne, one hundred and sev- 
enty-three miles west from Paris. 

Selters. — Germany, duchy of Nassau, twenty-five miles north of Mayence. 

Somburg. — This is one of the most popular of German 
watering-places, having been sought, however, more for the 
attractions of society, and the gaming-table, than the waters. 
But since gaming is now forbidden, it is probable the waters 
will receive more attention. The water taken in doses of 
three or four glasses usually proves cathartic, but without 
causing debility of the intestines. These effects are readily 
explained by the ingredients. The Homburg waters are 
strongly saline, with a considerable quantity of iron. They 
are especially applicable to catarrhal dyspepsia in amernic 
subjects, etc., cases of abdominal plethora and engorgement 
of the liver, occurring in weak, irritable, and scrofulous per- 
sons, and to whom the use of purging-waters might prove 
detrimental — to cases of tumid spleen, arising from ague, or 
suppression of the hemorrhoidal or catamenial flow — to cases 
of chlorosis and anamiia in scrofulous patients, for whom the 
pure chalybeates might prove too constipating, or too exciting 
to the circulation. 

1 Set Analysis, page 846. 



346 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 
ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


a 




BADEN. 

irunnen. 
i° Fahr. 

;enius. 


6? 1 . ._• 


111 




HOM 

Elizabet 

50° 

Li 


a 3% a 

3 "° 






GO so 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 










6.778 


Carbonate of magnesia . 


2!6i- 




6 '.08 




1.516 


Carbonate of iron 


0.46 


6!24 


0.04 




0.079 


Carbonate of manganese 






0.004 




0.002 


Carbonate of lime 


10 '.99 


EU4 


3.21 


2 '.264 


1.852 


Chloride of potassium. . 




2.20 


1.12 




0.289 


Chloride of sodium 


19.15 


44.71 


52.50 


46.'iio 


17.228 


Chloride of magnesium. 


7.79 


2.33 


1.57 






Chloride of calcium .... 


7.77 




3.62 


5! 683 




Chloride of ammonium. 






0.13 






Chloride of lithium .... 




6!i5 


0.001 






Sulphate of soda 


6 '.38 




. .» . 




6". 261 


Sulphate of magnesia . . 




I'M 








Sulphate of lime 




2.99 


6*69 


5!993 


6!261 


Phosphate of soda 








.... 


0.0002 


Phosphate of alumina. . 










0.0004 


Phosphate of lime 




6!64 


6! 6o3 






Iodide of sodium ... ... 




trace. 








Bromide of potassium. 








6!384 


6 '.0002 


Bromide of sodium 




6 '.06 








Bromide of magnesium 




.... 


6.03 






Fluoride of calcium 










6'.66i6 


Nitrate of soda 




6*07 








Arseniate of lime 






6! 66i 






Silicate of alumina 






0.004 






Silica 


6 '.32 


6!o9 


0.46 




6! 250 






Total 


108.87 
Cubic in. 


65.52 
Cubic in. 


63.463 

Cubic in. 


60.434 


28.5184 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 


48.46 


41.77 


16.7 




80. 


Oxygen 


0.0046 


Nitrogen 






o.io 




0.0285 


Ammonia 




6 '.007 













Homburg is a small village situated on the declivity of a 
hill at the eastern extremity of the chain of the Taunus. The 
Kursaal is without contradiction one of the most beautiful es- 
tablishments of the kind. The interior is ornamented with 
marble columns, beautiful frescos, and elegant paintings. The 
springs are five in number, and vary in temperature from 50° 
to 53^° Fahr. The Kaiserhrunnen contains 104 grains of 
chloride of sodium, one-half grain of carbonate of iron, and 109 
cubic inches of carbonic-acid gas, in each pint. 

Kissingen. — There is a close resemblance between the 
waters of Kissingen and Homburg. Kissingen, however, has 
a far more decided reputation in the cure of disease, and much 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 347 

more attention is given to medical treatment. These waters, 
according to Prof. Seegen, slightly increase secretion from all 
the mucous surfaces, particularly those of the digestive tract ; 
they increase the appetite, accelerate the circulation of the 
blood, and revive the nutritious functions. They are at once 
aperient, tonic, and exciting. 

The waters of Kissingen are adapted to catarrhal dyspep- 
sia^ accompanied with constipation in anaemic subjects. In 
cases of this kind they are excellent. At Kissingen, much at- 
tention is given to the treatment of gout, and for certain con- 
ditions of the disease the waters are valuable. Plethoric per- 
sons suffering from this malady, are favorably influenced by 
a combination of Ragoczi and the bitter water. Those suffer- 
ing from irregular gout, with structural lesions of the joints, 
the bones, the heart and blood-vessels, are better treated by the 
waters of Wiesbaden or Toplitz. In plethoric persons of 
middle age, and sedentary habits, suffering from hyperemia 
of the liver, the Ragoczi and bitter waters of Kissingen, com- 
bined, frequently effect a cure. These waters are also favor- 
able in icterus due to catarrh of the mucous membrane of the 
duodenum. It should be mentioned that if in catarrhal dys- 
pepsia there is any inflammatory condition of the stomach, the 
cold acidulous saline waters, such as Homburg and Kissingen, 
should not be emplo3 T ed, but the waters of Wiesbaden in small 
doses. Many maladies are favorably treated at Kissingen that 
are not amenable to the saline waters alone, because of the bit- 
ter water, which adds to the resources. This is a purgative 
water, and in one pint contains — 46 grains sulphate of soda, 
39 grains sulphate of magnesia, 61 grains chloride of sodium, 
30 grains chloride of magnesium, and 6 cubic inches carbonic- 
acid gas. 

Kissingen is located in a fertile valley on the banks of the 
rapid river Saal. The climate is salubrious, and all the neces- 
sities of the invalid are well provided for. Neither are social 
attractions wanting. The Bavarian Government for many 
years annually added improvements, until Kissingen became 
one of the most popular watering-places. 
16 



348 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Wiesbaden.-^ -Here are the best thermal-saline waters in 
Europe. The waters are peculiar, tasting like warm highly- 
salted chicken-broth, and, when collected in reservoirs, present- 
ing a somewhat yellowish color. Besides the ingredients 
given in the analysis, they contain a small proportion of or- 
ganic matter, which has not been closely studied. The physi- 
ological action of the waters, according to Dr. Braun, is as 
follows : In a moderate dose, about a pint, they increase the 
flow of saliva, give a sense of warmth to the stomach, and 
produce moderate alvine evacuation ; in quantities of a quart 
to three pints, and taken but slightly warm, they prove de- 
cidedly purgative. From one to three hours after drinking 
even small quantities of the water, the flow of urine is in- 
creased, and its chemical composition altered ; more consider- 
able quantities of chloride of sodium, uric acid, and urea, are 
eliminated, than if a corresponding quantity of ordinary water 
were taken. Under the influence of these waters the fasces 
are fluidified, and contain more biliary constituents, menstrua- 
tion becomes more abundant, and the flow of milk is promoted, 
perspiration is increased, and the pulse accelerated. The 
effect of the waters on the urinary secretion was closely in- 
vestigated by Drs. Neubauer and Genth. They first deter- 
mined the quantity of urine and urinary solids, under usual 
habits of life, for periods of five and eight days. Then for 
five days they took baths of the water at 95° Fahr., and ex- 
amined the urine, and then for eight days they took the same 
baths, and drank four hundred and five hundred cubic centi- 
metres respectively. The quantity of urine under ordinary 
circumstances — 1,414 in one, and 1,252 in the other — rose, 
while taking the baths alone, to 1,707 in the one, and 1,305 
in the other. While taking baths and drinking the water, it 
rose to 2,050 and 1,547 respectively ; the urea rose from 33 to 
39.6 and 42.8 grains ; chloride of sodium, from 14.742 to 16.- 
467 and 23.678 ; chloride of ammonium, from 2.072 to 2.344 
and 2.722, and in similar ratio for the other constituents. 
During the course of the experiments, the weight of the body 
did not undergo any particular change. 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 349 

The waters and baths of Wiesbaden are especially em- 
ployed in gout, and rheumatism. They are advantageously 
used in all forms of gout, unless inflammatory symptoms be 
present at the time, but are especially adapted to cases of 
anomalous or irregular gout. When external manifestations 
have almost ceased, and the disease tends to attack internal 
organs, it is said these waters will recall it to the point of 
external attack. For action on the kidneys, the water is 
taken in doses of two to four tumblersful, and cooled before 
drinking, but little exercise being taken in the mean time ; 
but if diaphoresis is desired it should be taken hot, and consid- 
erable exercise in the intervals of drinking. 

In chronic rheumatism, facial neuralgia, and sciatica, these 
waters are frequently curative, and cases of paralysis also im- 
prove under their use. In these cases baths and douches are 
freely employed. Deforming rheumatism (rhumatisme nou- 
eux) is also very much relieved by this treatment. Wies- 
baden also enjoys a deserved reputation for the relief of con- 
traction of the joints, and old gunshot-wounds complicated by 
the presence of the ball, or necrosis. 

Wiesbaden is situated on the southerly exposure of the 
Taunus, in a valley enclosed by opposing spurs of the chain. 
The climate is notably temperate, so that treatment may be 
pursued in the early spring-, and late in autumn, and even 
through the winter months. There are twenty-nine springs 
at Wiesbaden supplying a volume of hot water that is utilized 
for bathing in every conceivable form. The mineral mud- 
bath is also employed. This is also a station where the 
whey-cure is administered. 

Wiesbaden was known to the ancient Romans under the 
name of Aquae Mattiacse, and is described by Pliny. At the 
present day it is probably the most popular resort in Ger- 
many ; sixty-three thousand persons are said to have visited 
there during the present year — 1872. 

Baden-Baden. — The waters of this spa are mild thermal- 
saline waters of 155° Fahr., and containing sixteen grains 
chloride of sodium to the pint. They are chiefly used for 



350 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

bathing, the waters of other springs, as Homburg and Kissin- 
gen, being drunk. There is a muriated-lithia spring at Baden 
containing, according to Bunsen, two and three-tenths grains 
chloride of lithium in the pint. It does not appear, however, 
to have justified expectations as a curative in gout and lithia- 
sis. Baden-Baden is charmingly located on the banks of the 
Oos, just at the entrance of the Black Forest. The valley is 
exceedingly picturesque. Heretofore, the principal attrac- 
tions have been the gaming-tables and/etes. This resort was 
frequented by the Romans, and was known to them by the 
name of Civitas Aurelia Aquensis. Numerous relics of sculp- 
ture, of piscinae, and of vapor-baths, testify to this fact. 

Bourbonne. — This water is mildly laxative when taken 
cold or tepid. At the natural temperature it does not prove 
cathartic unless taken in large doses, and even then this effect 
is only temporary, and succeeded by constipation. As a rule, 
the purgative effect is not sought in treatment. 

There is a decided analogy between the application of 
these waters and those of Wiesbaden. They prove valuable 
in chronic rheumatism, accompanied with contractions, with 
enlargement of the joints, and deposits ; also in paralysis. 
Especially are the waters suitable to these maladies when 
they are allied to a scrofulous diathesis. So certain are these 
waters as a remedy in false anchylosis, in contractions, in old 
gunshot-wounds and necrosis, that the French Government has 
erected a military hospital capable, of accommodating one 
hundred officers and three hundred soldiers. 

Bourbonne is agreeably situated at an altitude of nine 
hundred feet, on the brow of a gently-inclined hill which com- 
mands a distant view of the range of the Vosges. There are 
three springs supplying a large number of baths of every de- 
scription. The mineral mud-bath is also a resource of Bour- 
bonne. Its principal constituents in 100 parts are silicic acid 
64 parts, oxide of iron 5, lime 6, and vegetable and animal 
matter 15. 

Setters. — This water is cool and refreshing in taste, with a 
slight trace of iron, alkali, and salt in the flavor. It is chiefly 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 



351 



employed as a table-drink, and under the name seltzer is 
known and imitated (inferiorly, as a rule) the world over. 
There are no establishments at the spring. Two million bot- 
tles are sold annually. 

BRINE-BATHS. 

Kreuznach. — Rhenish Prussia, seven miles south of Bingen. 
Naukeim. — Germany, Hesse-Cassel, fifteen miles north from Frankfort 

ANALYSIS. 





KEETJZNACH. 


NATTHEIM. 


One pint contains — 


Elisenquelle. 

54.5° Fahr. 

Lowig. 


Oranienquelle. 

54.5" Fahr. 

Liebig. 


Kurbrunnen. 

71.3° Fahr. 

Bromeis. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

0.106 

1.'693 

0.624 
72.833 

4.071 
13.389 

0.613 

6! 025 
0.035 
0.278 
0.129 


Grains. 
0.130 
0.356 

6!255 

0.460 

103.705 

22! 749 

6 '.095 
0.012 
1.780 
0.999 


Grains. 




0.145 




021 




8.028 




4.047 




109.923 




2.155 




8.215 








0.740 






Iodide of magnesium 




Bromide of magnesium 


0.295 
0.115 






Total 


93.846 


135.541 


133. 6S4 


Gas. 
Carbonic acid 


Cubio in. 
31.2 



Kreuznach. — These were the first waters of the kind to be 
medicinally employed in Germany, and the success which at- 
tended their use has caused the development of numerous 
waters of similar character. The Elisenquelle' is the only 
spring used internally. When taken in small doses, it tends 
to constipation, at the same time diuretic ; but in large doses 
it is purgative. 

These waters have been used in scrofula with the most de- 
cided success, especially the forms accompanied with infiltra- 
tion of the glands. Scrofulous diseases of the skin, such as 
lupus and sycosis, are also favorably influenced. The water 
is also said to possess a resolutive action in fibroid tumors of 
the uterus. According to Scanzoni, the good results in these 
cases are chiefly due to the reduction of the size of the womb, 



352 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



thus controlling haemorrhage, uterine colic, and other symp- 
toms. In ovarian tumors, Scanzoni discountenances the use of 
these waters when symptoms of congestion are present, and 
the tumor is rapidly enlarging. In other conditions, however, 
the growth of the tumor may be decidedly retarded. In cer- 
tain cases of tertiary syphilis, associated with scrofula, this 
water proves exceedingly efficacious. Besides the spring-wa- 
ter, graduated brine and mother-lye are employed. The fol- 
lowing is the composition of these solutions : 



Nv / J One pint contains — 


Graduated Brine. 
Dr. Wiesbaden. 


Mother-lye. 
Polsdorf. 


Solids. 


Grains. 

11.23 

1,311.89 

73.22 

241.66 

6.63 

5.00 


Grains. 
168.31 




226.37 




230.81 




1.56 




1,789.97 
7.95 














0.05 








59.14 










Total 


1,642.9T 


2,484.16 





The following is the usual method of Kreuznach treatment. 
The patient drinks daily from twenty to thirty ounces of the 
Elisenquelle ; children less, according to age. An hour after 
drinking the water, a bath is taken at from 86° to 92° Fahr. 
in temperature. In the beginning of the treatment, the sim- 
ple brine-bath is used, but gradually, as the system becomes 
accustomed, the mother-lye is employed. From one to fifty, 
and even a hundred quarts of the mother-lye are added to the 
bath ; but, as soon as symptoms of excitement and saturation 
occur, the quantity is diminished, or even entirely withdrawn. 
The duration of the bath is from a quarter to three-quarters 
of an hour, and, in severe cases of scrofula and skin-disease, 
two baths per day are sometimes given. It is customary 
while in the bath to rub the diseased parts with a soft sponge 
or brush. Cloths soaked in brine are also applied, especially 
to enlarged lymphatic glands. 

Kreuznach is situated in the valley of the Nahe, on the 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 353 

left side of the Rhine. The principal wells and baths are on 
a wooded island in the Nahe. Pleasant excursions may be 
made in the vicinity. 

JVauheim. — The waters of Nauheim, like strong saline 
waters in general, tend in small quantities to produce consti- 
pation, and in large quantities to cause purgation. The baths 
readily produce the phenomena of eruptions, known as la 
poicssee. The large quantity of carbonic acid in these waters 
renders them more palatable than saline waters of equal 
strength usually are, and the temperature, ranging as high as 
9 9°. 9 Fahr., makes them especially applicable for bathing 
purposes. There are five springs, yielding a large volume of 
water. Similar method of treatment is pursued here to that 
of Kreuznach, graduated brines and mother-lye being em- 
ployed. In addition, there is an establishment especially 
devoted to administration of the carbonic-acid bath. 

The application of this water is like that of Kreuznach, es- 
pecially adapted to scrofula, and diseases allied to scrofulous 
conditions, declaring themselves in young persons. Catarrh 
of the vagina in scrofulous and anasmic persons, and scrofu- 
lous diseases of the bones, are frequently cured by these baths. 
Brine-baths are also of utility for the purpose of promoting 
absorption of rheumatic exudations. Indeed, the rheumatic 
diathesis seems sometimes to be overcome by their use. 

Nauheim is situated on the northeast slope o'f the Taunus, 
and is a pleasant drive from Homburg. It is comparatively a 
newly-developed resort, only dating back some eighteen years ; 
neverthelesss, every arrangement for securing the full benefits 
of the warm salt-water has been made, and the facilities for 
social enjoyment are quite complete. 

SULPHUR-WATERS. 

Aix-la-Chapelle. — Ehenish Prussia, forty-seven miles west from Cologne. 

Aix-les-Baius. — Savoy, ten and a half miles north from Chambery. 

Bareges. — France, department of Hautes-Pyrenees, one hundred and 
twelve miles south of Bordeaux. 

Bagneres-de-Luelion. — France, department of Haute-Garonne, one hundred 
and twenty-five miles south of Bordeaux. 



354 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Nenndorf. — Germany, principality of Hesse, 12 miles west from Hanover. 
Mcinberg. — Germany, principality of Lippe-Detmold, thirty-eight miles 
south of Hanover. 

ANALYSIS. 



•J 

J^— — One pint contains — 


AIX-L A- CE APELLE. 
Kaiserquelle. 
131° Fahr. 

Liebig. 


NENNDORF. 

Trinkquelle. 

53.6° Fahr. 

Bunsen. 


MEINBERG. 

Schwei'elquelle. 

48° Fahr. 

Brandes. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
4.995 
0.395 
0.073 
1.217 
0.002 
0.002 
20.271 

i!l86 

2.171 

6 '.073 

6 '.004 
0.028 
0.508 
0.577 


Grains. 
3.*3S1 

i!s5i 

0.339 
4.549 
2.318 
8.121 

6." 555 
6.'i62 


Grains. 




0.172 




0.008 




2.149 














Choride of magnesium 


1.035 

0.005 




5.844 




1.733 




8.335 




0.008 




0.067 


Sulphuret of calcium (hydrated) 


6!6io 












0.120 










Total 


31.502 

Per cent. 

f30.89 

J 0.31 

1 1.82 

[66.98 


21.276 

Cubic in. 
5.25 
1.28 
0.05 
0.61 


19.486 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 
2.31 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


0.61 




0.40 


Oxygen 


0.02 



Aix-la- Chapelle. — The waters of these famous thermals 
possess an alkaline, saltish, and sulphurous taste. Taken in- 
ternally, they are especially diuretic and diaphoretic. 

The treatment at Aix-la-Chapelle consists both in drinking 
the water — that of the Kaiserquelle being chiefly used — and 
bathing, to which the waters are eminently adapted by their 
temperature. The bathing arrangements are excellent, and 
the attendants have an unsurpassed reputation for dexterity in 
application of douches and shampooing. The douches have a 
fall of from twenty-five to thirty feet, and range in tempera- 
ture from 89° to 100° Fahr. The bath is usually given at from 
92° to 96° Fahr. 

These waters possess a high reputation in the treatment 



1 Percentage of gases ascending from the water. 



EUKOPEAN SPAS. 



355 



of chronic rheumatism, chronic metallic poisoning, and dis- 
eases of the skin. Of the latter, it is especially to humid dar- 
trous diseases that they are applied. 



ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


AIX-LE-BAIN8. 

Eaux de Soufre. 

108 o -lll° Fahr. 

Bonjean. 


BAREGES. 

Boucheries. 

64.4° Fahr. 1 

Latour. 


BAGNERES-DE - 

LCCHON. 

La Reine. 

131° Fahr. 

Filhol. 


Solids. 
Carbonate of soda 


Grains. 

6! 188 
0.064 
1.084 
traces. 
0.057 
0.125 

0. 701 
0.257 
0.400 
traces. 
0.117 


Grains. 

6*.6i4 

0. 234 
0.292 

6! 147 

8 6!6so 
6"ii6 

6!6o7 

0.146 
j- 0.080 -j 

j- 0.087 


Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 




Carbonate of iron 




Carbonate of lime 




Carbonate of strontia 

Chloride of sodium 


6!i92 


Chloride of magnesium 

Sulphate of potassa 


6!063 


Sulphate of soda 


0.162 


Sulphate of magnesia 




Sulphate of alumina 




Sulphate of iron 




Sulphate of lime 


0.286 


Sulphuret of sodium 


0.401 


Sulphuret of iron 






0.020 


Sulphuret of manganese 

Sulphuret of copper 


0.024 


Hyposulphite of soda 




Phosphates of lime and alumina 
and fluoride of calcium 


0.017 
traces. 

6! 036 

Undetermined. 
0.087 




Iodide of sodium 




Silicate of soda 




Silicate of magnesia 


060 


Silicate of alumina 


0.180 


Silicate of lime 


0.086 


Silica 




Alumina. 




Phosphates 




Bituminous matter and glairine. 
Loss 




Total 


3.133 

Cubic in. 
0.39 
0.82 

19.04 


1.203 


1 724 


Gases. 

Carbonic acid 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 

Nitrogen 


traces. 



Aix-la-Chapelle was an early resort of the Romans, and 
known to them by the name of Aquge Grani. Numerous re- 
mains of ancient thermal establishments are found. Subse- 
quently it was the favorite abode of the great Charlemagne. 
It is said that he luxuriated in the thermal baths, and was ac- 
customed to bathe in public with the officers of his court, and 
even held councils of state in the baths. The city, which has 

1 Some of the Bareges springs reach 111 8 Fahr. 2 With carbonate of iron. 



356 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

now shrunk into small compass compared with its former lim- 
its, shows outward evidence in many portions of the former 
presence of the great Frank, now dead a thousand years. 
His remains are sacredly guarded in the treasury of the an- 
cient cathedral, and are shown to the public once in seven 
years. One of the principal baths — that which he frequented, 
and which was a favorite with the great Napoleon — is known 
as the Kaiserbad. This establishment is veritably a " thermal 
palace." 

Aix-les-Bains. — The use of these waters is almost exclu- 
sively external. For the employment of the waters in this way 
there are unsurpassed facilities. The flow of the water is ex- 
ceedingly large, and the grand bath establishment, built in 
1773 by Victor-Amedee III., received such- additions in 1854 
that it is now one of the most complete in Europe. The num- 
ber and variety of douches are said to be unequalled. 

The application of these waters is to all those diseases 
which are benefited by thermal baths, such as chronic rheu- 
matism, diseases of the skin, syphilis, paralysis, independent 
of organic lesion of the nerve-centres, etc. 

Aix is quite a pretty village, situated in an agreeable val- 
ley, bounded to the south and north by mountains. The cli- 
mate is exceedingly salubrious. 

This resort again reminds us of the pleasure taken by the 
Romans in thermal baths. Many relics of their residence here 
are found in the village, and the place was known to them as 
Aquas Gratianaa. To-day the resort equals, if it does not sur- 
pass, its ancient splendor, and offers many attractions to the 
valetudinarian. 

Bareges. — These waters, taken internally, possess an ex- 
citing action. The effect is upon the nervous system, and 
especially on the circulation, compared by Borden to that of 
strong coffee, but easily developing, both in the well and in 
the sick, a febrile condition. Although these waters have 
given name to the soluble organic principle of mineral waters, 
they contain but a small proportion according to analyses. 
The naming of the substance was but accidental, Longchamp 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 357 

being engaged with these waters at the time he made the dis- 
covery. 1 The analysis of the waters has not been as exact as 
the science of hydrology demands, that of the spring given in 
the table being only less imperfect than others. The compo- 
sition of l'Entree (103° Fahr.), according to Henry, is as fol- 
lows, in one pint : Sulphuret of sodium, 0.262 grains ; sulphate 
of soda, 0.219 ; carbonate and silicate of soda, 0.175 ; organic 
matter (iodine, lime, and magnesia), traces. 

The waters of Bareges enjoy a celebrity in the treatment 
of gunshot-wounds, and bringing to the surface unextracted 
balls and pieces of shell, that has penetrated every corner of 
Europe, so much so that they have been termed les Eaux 
d'Arquebusade. Says Constantin James : " One should not 
despair of the curative action of the water because the foreign 
body appears too voluminous, or too deeply imbedded in the 
tissues; nothing seems to limit their power." The French 
Government has a military hospital at this resort. The waters 
are used internally, and in the form of douches and baths. 
The douche having a fall of only three feet, the effect cannot 
be attributed to percussion. The water is also efficacious in 
certain scrofulous conditions, such as diseases of the bones, 
caries, chronic ostitis, fistulous tracts, abscess, and ulcers. It 
is not to young scrofulous subjects that these waters are 
adapted, but, says Durand-Fardel, " if the scrofula is already 
an old disease, if the patient approaches the age when the 
disease tends to become extinct, if the capital indication is to 
treat an old manifestation, born of the diathesis and persisting 
less because of the early impulsion than by inability of the 
organism to produce resolution, then the waters of Bareges 
appear to us the most efficacious of all sulphur- waters." In 
dartrous diseases of the skin, and in syphilis, they prove of 
utility. Because of the excessive excitement usually produced 
by the baths and douches, the patient frequently can take 
them only every other day, and the duration of treatment is 
from five to eight weeks. 

Bareges is situated near the summit of the Pyrenees, at an 

1 " Chitoie Hydrologique," par Lefort, Paris, 1859, p. 203. 



358 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

elevation of four thousand two hundred feet, surrounded by 
wild and unattractive scenery, and overhung by ice-crowned 
peaks. The climate is exceedingly changeable, in the midst 
of summer a suffocating heat in the morning being sometimes 
succeeded by icy cold in the afternoon. Only invalids fre- 
quent the place. 

Bagneres-de-Luchon. — The waters of Luchon, taken in 
doses of two to four glasses, augment the appetite, and often 
produce constipation, rendering the excrementitious matter 
black or brown. The internal functions are excited even in 
the absence of baths, the secretion of urine being augmented. 
They frequently do not rest well on the stomach, producing 
nausea and sulphurous eructations. Some persons cannot 
take them without the addition of syrups or infusions. The 
baths even, at moderate temperature, act decidedly upon the 
skin. After a quarter of an hour's immersion the cutaneous 
surface is swollen, and severe itching is felt. Sometimes the 
irritation is sufficient to produce slight eruptions, which, how- 
ever, disappear soon afterward. Baths of elevated tempera- 
ture often determine severe eruptions, la poussee. 

These waters are celebrated for the cure of dartrous dis- 
eases of the skin. Of these diseases they prove of especial 
service in pustulous eczema, in psoriasis, pityriasis, ichthy- 
osis, etc. For the treatment of secondary and tertiary syph- 
ilis, with the various syphilides, they are perhaps superior to 
any other European sulphur- waters. The waters also prove 
efficacious in scrofulous eruptions, classed by some authors as 
scrofulides. They are also applicable to chronic rheumatism, 
in persons of lymphatic constitution. For the cure of old 
wounds, and elimination of balls and foreign bodies, they are 
efficacious, but not equal to the waters of Bareges. 

Luchon is situated in the midst of one of the most mag- 
nificent valleys of the Pyrenees, at an elevation of two thou- 
sand feet above the sea, and is the most frequented resort of 
this region, as many as twenty thousand persons going there 
during the season. The Gours d^Etigny is a long avenue, 
shaded by four rows of linden-trees and bordered by build- 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 359 

ings, in which visitors lodge. At the southerly extremity of 
this avenue the springs — forty-eight in number — issue at the 
base of the mountain Super-Bagneres. A sojourn at Luchon 
offers many attractions. The Cours d'Etigny is animated by 
the movement of visitors, and inviting excursions are made to 
the Lake d'Oo, to the valley of the Lys, and to the Pont de 
Venasque, whence grand views are obtained of the Maladetta, 
with its immense glaciers. 

Nenndorf. — These cold sulphur-springs are much fre- 
quented by North-Germans. The arrangements are good. 
There are hot baths and douches, and an excellent inhalation- 
house. Mineral mud-baths and saline baths are also admin- 
istered. Opportunities for the whey-cure are offered. This 
resort is chiefly visited by those suffering from gout, rheuma- 
tism, paralysis, neuralgia, and diseases of the skin. 

Meinberg. — This resort offers an unusual variety of cura- 
tive agencies. There are carbonic-acid inhalations, baths and 
douches of carbonic acid, mineral mud-baths, and, besides the 
sulphur-waters, a good saline water. The resort has consider- . 
able repute in the treatment of chronic articular rheumatism, 
certain forms of paralysis, scrofula, when exhibited in the 
lymphatic ganglions, and irregularities of menstruation. Mein- 
berg is pleasantly situated, on a wooded hill-side, in a pleas- 
ing country. 

CHALYBEATE WATERS. 1 

Schwalbach. — Germany, duchy of Nassau, five miles southeast from Ems. 
Pyrmont. — Germany, principality of Waldeck, twenty-eight miles south- 
west of Hanover. 

Spa. — Belgium, province of Liege, seventy miles east of Brussels. 
St.-Moritz. — Switzerland, canton of Grisons. 

Schwalbach. — These may be termed pure chalybeate waters, 
containing nearly half a grain of carbonate of iron per pint, 
and. but a small proportion of other constituents, together 
with a large quantity of carbonic-acid gas. 

The action of these waters is that of chalybeates in gen- 
eral, tending to produce constipation, rendering the faeces dark 

1 See Analysis, page 360. 



360 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



in color, and restoring the red color to impoverished blood- 
globules. Under their use the appetite and digestion are im- 
proved. The waters are applicable to ancemic conditions and 
chlorosis, and form an admirable succedaneum to a course of 
alterative mineral-water treatment. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains— 


SCHWALBACH. 

Stahlbrunnen. 

46°-61° Fahr. 

Fresenius. 


PYBMONT. 

Trinkbrunnen. 

54.5° Fahr. 

Wiggers. 


SPA. 

Pouhon. 
50° Fahr. 

Monheim. 


SA1NT-MOBITZ. 

Grande Source. 

42° Fahr. 

Planta & Kekule. 


SOLTDB. 


Grains. 
0.110 
0.966 

6 '.467 
0.103 
1.181 

61 052 

6 '.029 
0.061 

traces, 
traces. 

6 '.246 
traces. 


Grains. 

6. '740 

61310 
0.024 
7.276 
0.002 
3.752 
0.508 
0.019 
0.170 

2. 838 
6.609 

traces. 

6'. 008 

0.019 

traces. 


Grains. 
0.700 
0.241 
0.024 
.677 

61 580 

61 157 

61217 

61612 


Grains. 
1.364 


Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of alumina 


0.827 
61l73 


Carbonate of manganese 


0.030 
5.303 


Carbonate of ammonia 


61 282 


Chloride of magnesium 






0.119 




1.967 


Sulphate of magnesia 


















0.003 


Bromine, iodine, and fluorine. 


traces. 
0.002 




0.278 














Total 


3.215 

Cubic in. 

50.27 

0.003 


22.275 

Cubic in. 
47.10 


2.608 
Cubic in. 

71. 6 


10.348 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 
39.29 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 





Schwalbach lies in a pleasant valley surrounded by wooded 
hills. It is one of the most popular chalybeate waters in Eu- 
rope. The large quantity of carbonic acid discharged is util- 
ized in baths, which are so arranged that the gas does not 
escape when the water is heated. 

Pyrmont. — This water is not equal to Schwalbach or Spa. 
It is not a pure chalybeate, as will be seen by the analysis, 
containing a considerable quantity of sulphate of lime and 
other salts, in all twenty-two grains to the pint, and not quite 
one-third of a grain of carbonate of iron. 

This resort does not attract so large a number of visitors 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 361 

as formerly, though the arrangements are excellent, and a 
saline water adds to the resources. 

Spa. — This is the type of pure chalybeate waters, and is 
not equalled in Europe. As will be seen by the analysis, the 
Pouhon Spring — the most used — contains two-thirds of a grain 
of carbonate of iron to the pint, and seventy cubic inches of 
carbonic-acid gas, with less than two grains of other constitu- 
ents. These waters, like iron-waters in general, are especially 
applicable to anaemic conditions and chlorosis. In many 
cases of dyspepsia, with decided anaemia, the results are 
exceedingly satisfactory. In all those chlorotic conditions 
depending on impoverished blood and irregularity of the men- 
ses they are a most valuable remedy. Patients subject to 
passive haemorrhage are also relieved by these waters. The 
water also possesses reputation for the cure of sterility, a 
result, however, only due to the invigoration and stimulation 
of the uterine function resulting from the iron contained. 

Spa is situated at the base of a miniature mountain, and is 
protected from the north winds by a similar mountain. The 
surroundings are exceedingly agreeable, and recreations of 
every kind invite the pleasure-seeker. A most beautiful 
bathing-establishment has been erected within a few } 7 ears, 
The resort has been renowned since the commencement of 
the seventeenth century. 

Saint-3foritz. — This is a fair chalybeate water, but the 
curative effects may, in great measure, be attributed to the 
fresh mountain-air that surrounds. It is situated in a valley 
of the Haute-Engadine, at an elevation of six thousand and 
eighty-eight feet above the level of the sea. 

Within a few years, Saint-Moritz has become quite a pop- 
ular place of resort. The waters are chiefly used for drinking, 
but there are arrangements for bathing, and the carbonic-acid 
gas is applied in the way of inhalations and local douches. 
These springs are said to have been brought into notice by 
Paracelsus during the sixteenth century. 

This resort is convenient to the saline purgative springs 
of Tarasp and Wyh, in the Lower Engadine. 



362 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



PURGATIVE "SKATERS. 

^ Piillna.— -Bohemia, thirty-two miles northwest of Prague. 
X Friedrichshallt — Germany, duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, eight miles from 
Coburg. 
X Carlsbad. — Bohemia, sixty-nine miles west of Prague. 

Marienbad. — Bohemia, seventy-three miles west of Prague, and twenty- 
two miles south of Carlsbad. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 



PULLNA. 


FBIEDRICH- 


CARLSBAD. 


MAKIENBAD. 


BBALL. 


Sprudel. 


Kreuzbrunnen. 


Struve. 


46.5° Fahr. 


162.5° Fahr. 


53.3° Fahr. 


Bauer. 


Gottl. 


Kersten. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


Grains. 


Grains. 






9.062 


8.594 


6.406 


3.53 


0.399 


3.200 






0.031 


0.350 
0.039 


0.770 


0.11 


2.020 


4.605 
0.049 
0.014 




67. 3T 


8.724 


11.166 


16.666 


31.08 
0.07 




.... 




0.06 


.... 




4.800 


0.02 


0.370 


0.449 


123.800 


41.73 


19.960 


36.269 


93.086 


39.55 






2.600 


11.24 










0.215 


0.054 


0.003 


6!62 


.... 


0.018 


0.1T6 


0.21 


1.052 


0.679 


248.30T 


194.99 


41.833 


65.486 




Cubic in. 


Cubic in. 


Cubic in. 




5.32 


7.80 


15.7 


.... 




0.03 





Solids. 

Carbonate of soda 

Carbonate of magnesia.. 

Carbonate of iron 

Carbonate of manganese 

Carbonate of lime 

Carbonate of litbia 

Carbonate of strontia 

Chloride of sodium 

Chloride of magnesium . 
Chloride of aluminum . . 
Chloride of ammonium . 

Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia . . . 

Sulphate of lime 

Phosphate of alumina. .. 

Phosphate of lime 

Bromide of magnesium . 
Silica 

Total 

Gases. 

Carbonic acid 

Nitrogen 



JPulhia. — This is an exceedingly strong purgative water, 
and of the class known in Germany as JBitterwasser. It is 
indicated in such cases as demand a saline purgative ; its 
action, however, is milder than ordinary Epsom salts. The 
water should only be used as an evacuant, as continuous use 
causes derangement of digestion, and decidedly impoverishes 
the blood. 

The manner in which this water is collected is peculiar. 
There is no spring, properly speaking, but several pits sunk 
in the earth. The water which enters them is that which 
falls directly in rain and filters through the surrounding earth. 
In dry weather the supply is considerably diminished. The 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 3G3 

surrounding soil is composed of basalt and phonolite, contain- 
ing large quantities of sulphate of soda and sulphate of mag- 
nesia. 

There are no bath-buildings at Pullna, the water only be- 
ing used in the bottled form. 

Friedrichshall. — This is a more agreeable purgative water 
than Ptillna, and very popular at the various German spas. 
Its action is much less liable, it is said, to be followed by con- 
stipation, and it may be used for considerable time without 
producing injurious effects. 

There are no accommodations for visitors at the spring, 
but the bottled water is consumed in considerable quantities. 

Sedlitz. — This purgative water contains, in the pint, 75 
grains sulphate magnesia, 17 sulphate of soda, 4 sulphate of 
potassa, 4 sulphate of lime, 5 carbonate of lime, and 1 grain 
chloride of magnesium. 

It is this water which gives the name to the familiar sed- 
litz-powder, composed of tartrate of soda and potassa, carbon- 
ate of soda, and tartaric acid, and not containing a single con- 
stituent of the water from ichich it is named. 

Sedlitz is in Bohemia, not far distant from Pullna. The 
water is exported in bottles. 

Carlsbad or Karlsbad. — These waters contain the very 
unusual combination of a considerable proportion of carbonate 
of soda, salt, and Glauber's salt, together with a high degree 
of heat. They may, therefore, be termed alkaline-saline 
purgative waters. The taste of the water is said to resemble 
weak mutton-broth. The water produces, according to Krey- 
sig, " slight purgation and liquid motions, but without cclic. 
It is rare that it produces nausea, unless the person is exceed- 
ingly delicate, or the digestive organs much diseased. The 
urinary and cutaneous secretions are favored in a marked 
degree, but at the same time the circulation is excited and 
the water disposes to congestion toward the head." Prof. 
Seegen says of the water : " The effect upon the kidneys is 
only trifling. The function of the intestine is moderately ex- 
cited, and a really laxative effect is very rare. . . . The secre- 



364 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



tion of the bile is increased, and the composition of this liquid 
is probably altered. The high temperature facilitates the 
absorption of the water, and at the same time prevents loss 
of animal heat." The water is said to have produced ptyal- 
ism when no mercurials have been taken. 

Prof. Seegen has made a special study of the action of 
this water. He experimented on seven persons whose con- 
dition was carefully noted for seven days previous to drink- 
ing the water, and for from seven to nine days during the 
administration of the water. From the results, as given by 
Althaus, I have formed the following table : 



EXCKETTONS EXAMINED. 


BESTJXTS. 


Increased. 


Unaltered. 


Diminished. 


Total. 




2 

5 
1 
6 
3 

7 


8 

1 
2 


2 

1 
4 

*4 


7 




7 




7 




6 




7 




7 







The acidity of the urine was affected thus : continued 
acid in three, became alkaline in three, rendered neutral 
after taking the water in one, but became acid by night. 

The specific gravity of the urine was diminished in some 
cases, and increased in others, always inversely proportional 
to the quantity of urine discharged. 

Although the urine was increased in five out of seven, the 
increase was not proportional to the additional quantity of 
water ingested. 

The waters of Carlsbad possess a reputation above all oth- 
ers in diseases of the liver. Of these diseases, hyperemia, 
from whatever cause, whether the congestion be active or 
passive, is most frequently cured. Those cases arising from 
prolonged exposure to paludal poison, are often relieved in a 
remarkable manner. It is also said that fatty degeneration of 
the liver is cured by their use. The proof of this must, how- 
ever, be exceedingly difficult to determine. In cases of gall- 
stone they are also exceedingly efficient, and in icterus arising 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 365 

from catarrh of the hepatic ducts. In each of the conditions 
named, no less an authority than Frerichs testifies to their 
utility. The waters have also considerable reputation for the 
relief of diabetes, when associated with disease of the liver or 
gout. Gout is also frequently amenable to these waters 
when the liver or abdominal organs are in a turgid condi- 
tion. Gastric catarrh is most especially subject to cure by 
these waters. Prof. Niemeyer is exceedingly explicit on this 
point. 

Carlsbad is situated in a profound valley, surrounded on 
either side by immense masses of overhanging granitic rock. 
Being one of the most renowned resorts in Europe for those 
diseases which most frequently attack those who lead an easy 
and luxurious life, it possesses all the requirements for per- 
sons of that class. The name of the place is due to Charles 
IV., who erected an establishment there in the fourteenth 
century. 

The Sprudel is the spring most frequently employed. 
Constantin James says : " This source, the queen, without 
contradiction, of all the mineral waters of Europe, jets forth, 
bounding and boiling from beneath the earth by a large 
orifice, then falls back in foam. A cloud of vapor envelops it 
on all sides, and, united to the noise made by the rushing 
water, announces its presence from afar." Large quantities 
of incrustations form about the reservoir, and green confervoid 
growths appear. There are many springs at Carlsbad, vary- 
ing in temperature, but differing little in constitution. The 
high temperature of the water affords ample facilities for 
baths, which are frequently employed in conjunction with the 
internal use of the water for the treatment of the diseases 
named. Bathing, however, is of secondary importance at 
this resort. 

Marienbad. — The waters of these springs do not differ es- 
sentially from those of Carlsbad, except in containing a larger 
proportion of sulphate of soda, carbonic acid, and iron ; and 
being cold in temperature. The difference in the effects can 
readily be traced to this difference in constitution. They are 



366 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

much more readily purgative, and, if large quantities are taken, 
the excretion of urine is decidedly augmented. The secre- 
tions of the mucous membrane are increased, perspiration is 
more free, and in some instances eruptions appear on the sur- 
face. The appetite and digestion usually improve under their 
use, and, owing to the presence of carbonic acid and iron, the 
prolonged use of the water does not prove as debilitating as 
otherwise would be anticipated. 

The waters are recommended in the same diseases as 
Carlsbad. They are preferable to Carlsbad in those cases in 
which free purgation is advisable, but, in subacute gastric 
catarrh, the large amount of carbonic acid contained would 
prove injurious. 

A specialty at Marienbad is the mineral mud-bath. The 
dried moor from which these baths are made, contains, besides 
purging sulphates, humic acid, and organic matter, a large 
amount of the salts of iron, as much as two hundred and 
sixty-eight grains in a thousand. 

Marienbad is beautifully situated at an altitude of two 
thousand feet above the sea-level. The country is open and 
inviting, and the arrangements for entertainment and for bath- 
ing are superior. 

Franzensbad. — These springs are situated in Bohemia, 
three and a half miles from Eger. In chemical characteristics 
they very much resemble Marienbad — the Wiesenquelle 
(51° Fahr.,) containing in the pint 25 grains sulphate of soda, 
9 of chloride of sodium, 0.376 carbonate of iron, traces of bro- 
mides and iodides, and 45 cubic inches of carbonic-acid gas. 
Their therapeutic application also resembles Marienbad, except 
that, containing but a very small proportion of alkaline carbon- 
ates, they act much more decidedly as an iron tonic. 

The specialty of Franszensbad is the mineral mud-bath, 
which possesses a reputation above every other in Germany. 
The composition of the dried moor, of which this bath is com- 
posed, is given under the title mud-baths. These baths are 
especially recommended in cases of paralysis, rheumatism, 
and gout. 



EUKOPEAN SPAS. 



367 



CALCIC WATERS. 

Contrexville, — France, department of Vosges, two hundred and thirty- 
five miles east of Paris. 

Bagneres-de-Bigorre. — France, department of Hautes-Pyrenees, eighty- 
five miles west of Toulouse. 

Leuk. — Switzerland, canton of Valais, twenty-two miles east of Sion. 

Wildungen. — Germany, principality of Waldeck, eighteen miles south- 
west of Cassel. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 



Solids. 

Carbonate of so.da 

Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of iron 

Carbonate of manganese . . . 

Carbonate of lime 

Carbonate of strontia 

Chloride of potassium 

Chloride of sodium ...'. 

Chloride of magnesium 

Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia 

Sulphate of lime 

Sulphate of strontia 

Phosphate of lime 

Organic matter and arsenic. 

Loss 

Alumina 

Silica 

Eesidue, fatty matter .' 



Total. 



Gases. 
Carbonic acid 

Oxygen 

Nitrogen 



CONTREX- 
VTLLE. 
Pavilion. 

53.6° Fahr. 
Henry. 



Grains. 
1.438 
1.606 
0.066 : 

i!92T 
traces. 

1.022 

0.292 
traces. 
0.949 
1.387 
8.395 



0.511 
6!8T6 2 



21.469 3 

Cubic in. 

0.29 

undetermined. 



BAGNERES-DE- 

BIGORRE. 

La Reine. 

115.7° Fahr. 

Ganderax and 

Rosiere. 



0.321 
0.584 



0.453 
0.949 



2.S91 
12.264 



0.394 



0.263 
0.050 



20.111 



undetermined, 



LEUK. 

Lorenzquelle. 
123° Fahr. 
Brunner. 



0.002 
0.024 

6! 357 

0. 020 
0.055 
0.027 

0. 509 

1.991 

12.712 

0.031 



0.102 



15.83C 

Cubic in 
0.26 
0.19 
0.35 



WILDTJNGEN. 

Stadtbrunnen. 

50° Fahr. 



Grains. 

0.492 
2.403 
0.139 
0.053 

3.778 



0.071 



0.919 
0.289 



0.008 
0.279 



8.431 



Cubic in. 

42.70 



Contrexville. — The prominent effect of this water is 
diuretic, and the quantity of urine passed seems more than in 
proportion to the water ingested. When taken in large 
quantities, and it is readily tolerated, there is frequently 
slight diarrhoea, abundant perspiration, and phenomena of 
general excitement. 

These waters are distinguished for the relief given in cases 

1 And carbonate of manganese. 

2 And alumina. 

3 This spring also contains traces of iodine, bromine, and nitrates. 



368 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

of catarrh of the bladder, nephritic colic, calculus, and gravel. 
The value of the waters in gravel, says Durand-Fardel, is 
" neither contested nor contestable." The effect of the waters 
in this disease, according to his view, depends on their diuretic 
action, on the washing out of the urinary organs, and not on 
any decided effect on the organism by which the diathesis is 
destroyed. The relief given, however, is immediate, and con- 
tinues for a considerable time after the use of the water is 
suspended. In catarrh of the bladder, however, the waters 
exercise a decidedly curative effect. 

This is comparatively a recent resort, but within a few 
years has received considerable patronage, and possesses the 
requisites for a comfortable abode. 

JBagneres-de-JBigorre. — These waters are reputed sedative 
to all conditions of over-excitement or sensitiveness of the 
nervous system, and find especial application in disorders of 
the geni to-urinary apparatus, and menstruation in females. 
They also prove useful in the atonic and nervous condition of 
students, and men who lead a sedentary life. These good 
effects are attributable almost, if not altogether, to the baths 
and fresh mountain-air. The waters, however, contain a con- 
siderable proportion of iron, which proves valuable in the con- 
ditions named, and in certain dyspepsias. 

The number of springs at Bigorre is upward of thirty, 
and the supply of water is abundant. The bathing arrange- 
ments are superior. 

Besides the calcic waters, there is a fine sulphur-spring- not 
far distant, the waters of which have been brought into the 
village. 

Bagneres-de-Bigorre is one of the most popular resorts in 
the Pyrenees, as many as eighteen thousand persons going 
there during the season. It is delightfully situated amid the 
heights of the mountains, at an elevation of eighteen hundred 
feet. Every opportunity for pleasure and recreation is af- 
forded. 

Leiik. — These waters are chiefly appropriated to the bath. 
For this purpose they are used in common by both sexes, 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 369 

after the manner described in another chapter. The patient 
remains in the water from one to five hours, with the object 
of producing the phenomenon known as la poussee, or the bath- 
eruption. This mode of treatment is especially applicable to 
dry dartrous diseases of the skin, such as psoriasis, lichen, and 
pityriasis, accompanied with want of vital action in the in- 
tegument. The bath-eruption seems to remove this inertia, 
and cure by substitution. The application of the waters, in 
these diseases and conditions, is recommended by Hardy and 
other specialists of equal note. 

The village of Leuk is situated at the foot of the Gem mi 
Pass, at an elevation of four thousand six hundred feet above 
the sea. On either hand glacier-crowned summits tower five 
thousand feet above, and the entire region possesses a wild 
and sterile grandeur. 

Wildungen. — The waters of this spa are readily tolerated 
by the stomach, and prove decidedly efficacious in gravel and 
the lithic-acid diathesis. They exercise a happy effect on the 
mucous membrane of the urinary passages, and under their 
use gravel and renal culculi are passed without pain, and the 
formation of new concretions is prevented. The water also 
proves curative in catarrh of the bladder. 

Wildungen is a quiet resort, situated in a pleasant valley, 
and offers attractions to those who desire to avoid the confusion 
of the larger watering-places. 

THERMAL "WATERS. 1 

Gastrin. — Austria, duchy of Salzburg, seventy-four miles south of Salz- 
burg. 

Toplitz. — Bohemia, circle of Leitmeritz, forty miles south of Dresden. 

Schlangenjbad. — Germany, duchy of Nassau, four miles south of Schwal- 
bach Springs. 

Plombieres. — France, department of the Yosges, two hundred and fifty- 
one miles east of Paris. 

Gastein. — These waters are devoted almost exclusively to 
bathing. There are eight springs varying little in composi- 

1 See Analysis, page 370. 



370 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



tion, but ranging in temperature from 87° to 160° Fahr. The 
effects of the waters are in great measure those of the warm 
and hot bath. Prof. Seegen regards the curative agency as 
due only to this action and the mountain-air. However, Con- 
stantin James affirms that a bath in these waters, unlike one 
in ordinary warm or hot water, produces contraction and 
rigidity of the skin, and that when a number of baths are 
taken, they especially stimulate the genital organs and the 
nervous system. The temperature of the bath is from 98° to 
100° Fahr. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


GASTEIN. 

87°-160° Fahr. 

Wolf. 


TOPLITZ. 

Hauptquelle. 

120° Fahr. 

Wolf. 


SCHLANGENBAD. 

82.4°-89.6° Fahr. 
Fresenius. 


PLOMBIEBES. 

Source des Dames. 
125° Fahr. 

Lherilier. 


Solids. 
Carbonate of soda 


Grains. 
0.04 
0.02 
0.05 
0.02 
0.86 

6 '.36 

o.oi 

1.51 

6!o4 

traces. 

traces. 

0.24 

traces. 


Grains. 
2.635 
0.088 
0.019 
0.021 
0.330 
0.027 

0'.433 

0*.*098 
0.290 
0.014 
0.020 

0*3*5*1 

0'.034 
o'.443 


Grains. 

0.0T9 
0.047 

0.250 

o'.bbi 

1.625 
0**091 

0'.004 

o'.258 


Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of iron 




Carbonate of manganese 

Carbonate of lime „ . . 




Carbonate of strontia 

Chloride of potassium 


j- 0.275 






Sulphate of potassa 






0.627 






Phosphate of alumina 

Fluoride of calcium 




Fluoride of silicium 




Arseniate of soda 


0.005 


Silicate of potassa 


0.008 


Silicate of soda 


0.626 


Silicate of lime and magnesia.. 


0.153 ' 




0.076 


Strontia 




Silica 


0.089 




0.153 






Total 


2.65 

In 100 parts. 

30 .'89 
69.11 


4.803 

In 100 parts. 

4.74 

0.66 

94.59 


2.558 

Cubic in. 
0.67 


2.012 


Gases. 








Nitrogen 


.... 



These baths possess especial reputation in cases of paraly- 
sis^ both hemiplegia and paraplegia^ provided the originating 
attack has been some time passed, and organic degeneration 
of the nerve-tissues has not occurred. They are also said to 
be of service in restoring virility. It is almost needless to 



EUROPEAN SPAS. 371 

add that they prove valuable in chronic rheumatism. Ga~ 
stein is situated in a romantic valley of the Noric Alps, at 
an elevation of three thousand five hundred and twenty feet 
above the sea. The journey thither is a most delightful one 
to the tourist, passing by the . charming chateaux of Hell- 
brunn, through the narrow defile of Pass-Leug, and the peril- 
ous passage of the Klamm, with the pathway cut in the solid 
rock. 

Toplitz. — The waters of this resort are devoted to the bath, 
for which they are especially adapted. It is this resort which 
has added most to the reputation of indifferent thermal waters. 
The effect of the baths is that of warm or hot bathing. When 
skilfully administered, according to Prof. Seegen, they increase 
the function of the skin, stimulate the circulation and peri- 
pheric innervation, and in certain cases facilitate the deple- 
tion of engorged organs. 

Paralysis and neuralgia are successfully treated at Toplitz, 
also chronic muscular and articular rheumatism. Atonic gout 
is frequently improved under the treatment. 

There are five springs at T(3plitz, and the system of baths, 
consisting of swimming-baths, private baths, douches, and 
vapor-baths, is unsurpassed. We should not omit naming 
the mud-bath. Schonau, a suburb, where there are six 
springs, is included in this statement. The surroundings of 
this resort are agreeable, and visitors or patients have every 
opportunity for passing time agreeably. Ten thousand per- 
sons visit Toplitz during the summer. 

Schlangenbad. — This is exclusively a tepid bath, but a 
tepid bath possessing peculiar properties. The water is 
characterized in a high degree by unctuosity, so that, when 
passed between the fingers and rubbed, there is a sense of 
oiliness, or velvety sensation. When immersed in the water, 
the entire integument presents the same soft and velvet-like 
feeling. The bath is delightful. The resort is known through- 
out Europe as the ladies' bath. 

The baths prove sedative, and are especially applicable to 

teria, and erethism of the nervous system, depending on 
17 



3*72 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

functional derangements of the sexual organs in females. 
They also prove valuable in certain cases of gout and rheu- 
matism, and, by virtue of their calming action on the integu- 
ment, prove of utility in diseases of the skin, accompanied 
by hyperesthesia. The waters also have a reputation as a 
cosmetic. 

Schlangenbad is situated in a pleasant valley nine hundred 
feet above the sea-level, on the road between Wiesbaden and 
Schwalbach, and not distant from either place. The surround- 
ings are agreeable. The whey-cure adds to the resources of 
Schlangenbad. 

Plombieres. — These waters, like the indifferent thermals 
in general, are largely employed in the form of baths. The 
Source des Dames and du Crucifix are, however, used for drink- 
ing. They are distinguished from other thermal waters by 
the large proportion of silicates, and an appreciable amount of 
arsenic. They present, however, no characteristic effect when 
taken internally, or employed externally. The water is trans- 
parent, without taste or odor, and soft to the touch. 

As a remedy, they prove exceedingly efficacious in gastralr 
gia, also in chronic enteritis, associated with much abdominal 
pain. In articular and muscular rheumatism, unaccompanied 
by exudation, they are also of decided utility. In the dry 
dartrous diseases of the skin, such as psoriasis and lichen, 
they have proved efficacious. Paraplegia is also treated at 
this resort with considerable success. 

Plombieres is situated in a valley of the Vosges Moun- 
tains, at an elevation of fourteen hundred feet above the sea. 
The surroundings are agreeable. The place was largely 
patronized by the Emperor Louis Napoleon, and the Bain 
Napoleon is one of the most complete in Europe. Every con- 
venience for swimming-baths and douches is afforded. This 
resort was a favorite with the Romans, as numerous remains 
testify. One of the ancient thermae is in an excellent state 
of preservation. 



SEA-SIDE EESOETS. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

0:ne who has passed his early life in an inland city or 
village can well remember how frequently he has desired to 
see the heaving waters of the ocean, to hear its tempestuous 
roar ; and, on visiting a seaboard city for the first time, he 
may not have been content to look upon the waters of the 
bay, but may have journeyed to some exposed portion of the 
coast-line, where the waves roll in from across the broad waste 
of waters. To every one there is majesty and beauty in the 
sea. 

The air at the sea-side has a peculiar freshness and life, 
that, as we breathe, seems to penetrate every portion of our 
frame, and impart to us renewed vitality. And we shall not 
have breathed this air long before we shall experience a keen 
appetite, and, if vigorous, feel inclined to athletic exercise. 
Exactly what it is in the constitution of sea-air that produces 
these effects has not been discovered. We, however, know 
that the air is purer than that of the land, less contaminated 
by miasm, by vegetable exhalations and noxious gases, though 
in the component oxygen it differs but little. The air of the 
ocean is always highly charged with watery vapor, bearing 
with it a perceptible amount of chloride of sodium. When 
we have been exposed to the sea-air for a long time we detect 
this in the salt taste experienced when the tongue touches 
the outer borders of the lips. Experiment has shown that 
this saline vapor is much more freely diffused when the ocean 



374 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

is agitated, and it is then carried inland for several miles. 
Besides containing chloride of sodium, it is quite probable 
that the atmosphere of the sea also contains a proportion of 
iodides and bromides — a conclusion, however, which is not 
based on direct experiment. And, although chemistry has 
not revealed the minute differences between ocean air and 
that of the land, still, whoever is familiar with its odor can 
recognize it miles inland from the sea-shore. Many persons 
sojourn at the sea-shore more for the purpose of breathing the 
sea-air than for bathing in the surf. Breathing sea-air affects 
the organism by the change wrought in the blood, and thus in 
the entire system. How quickly medical agents act through 
the lungs is shown by the rapidity with which anaesthesia may 
be produced by chloroform. 

Sea-air is deemed especially applicable to chronic bron- 
chitis accompanied with considerable expectoration. If the 
patient, on the contrary, has dry cough and great irritability 
of the lungs and larynx, it will not. prove beneficial. In the 
chronic cough of old age— senile bronchitis — it is also advan- 
tageous, if the patient is not a sufferer from asthma and em- 
physema. Phthisis in its early stages is favorably influenced 
by a residence at the sea-side, or repeated ocean-voyages. 
Indeed, the last-named remedy has been a favorite in all ages. 
Pliny, Celsus, and Galen, have all testified to its virtues. - 
Care, however, is recommended that those cases only seek 
the sea in which the cough is moist, and there is very little 
tendency to haemoptysis. 

The water of the sea is exceedingly complex in constitu- 
tion, and contains several medical substances in active propor- 
tion. The analysis of sea-water, on page 375, will illustrate 
this statement. 

From the analysis it is seen that chloride of sodium is the 
chief constituent, and next is chloride of magnesium, then 
sulphate of potassa, sulphate of lime, sulphate of magnesia, 
etc. It will also be noticed that the composition varies in dif- 
ferent seas. The waters of northern seas are less saline, be- 
cause of the small amount of surface evaporation. The waters 



SEA-SIDE RESORTS. 



375 



of the Dead Sea are very heavily charged, because of the con- 
tinual access from surrounding rivers without any correspond- 
ing outflow. 



ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 



Solids. 

Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of lime 

Chloride of potassium 

Chloride of sodium . -. 

Chloride of magnesium 

Chloride of aluminum 

Chloride of iron 

Chloride of calcium 

Chloride of ammonium 

Chloride of manganese 

Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of magnesia 

Sulphate of lime 

Phosphate of soda 

Iodide of sodium 

Bromide of sodium 

Bromide of magnesium 

Oxide of iron 

Bromine 

Silver 

Copper 

Lead 

Silica 

Organic matter 

Bitumen 

Kesin and extractive matter. 

Total 



5 S 



24.96 
trace. 



13.56 
4.37 
11.66 
trace 
trace 



trace 
trace 
trace, 
trace 
trace 



267.? 



§5 



g« 



Grains. 


Grains. 


6186 

3.78 

220.41 

24.12 


2!42 

149.63 

"12.38 




2!72 


18 ! 55 

10.16 


17 .'34 


i!l6 




6!o2 


trace. 




6!66 




6139 



06 185.59 



Grains. 

0.94 
12.45 

5.56 
26S.23 
46.18 



90.47 
35. SO 



459.63 



! s 



trace. 
85.33 



/?^t/5T^-~ 



^J^JjCJ* 



6*/ 



3.92 



172.09 
0.42 
0.42 



4.76 



trace. 
19.57 






/>+' 



16S6.01 /<?/?- / » 9/> 



The accumulation of solid matter in the water of the sea 
occurs as follows : The pure clear drops of water descend from 
the heavens, and, as they pass to the stream, dissolve and carry 
from the rocks and loam many of their constituents, though 
in exceedingly small proportion. These myriads of drops of 
water, each freighted with its little burden, meet in the rivers 
and pass on to the ocean. Arriving here they are heated by 
the sun and arise in vapor, depositing the burden they have 
borne. Again this vapor, wafted across the land, meets a 
cold stratum of air and descends once more in rain, again to 
bear a portion of the earth's surface to the ocean. This aggre- 
gation for ages of dissolved salts has, in great part, caused 
the saline condition of the ocean. But, in addition, there are 



3T( 



MINERAL SPEINGS. 



large beds of salt on the shores and in the depths of the ocean 
which, doubtless, contribute to its saltness. 

We find, then, that sea-water is exceedingly complex in 
constitution. Besides, it possesses various colors, due, how- 
ever, in great measure to its varied surroundings — the color 
of the sky, the disposition of the coast-line, whether bold and 
precipitous, or low and receding. From the varied colors we 
have the names White, Red, and Black Sea, etc. One char- 
acteristic, however, which has been the subject of a number 
of theories, is its phosphorescence. When, on a steamer far 
out in the ocean, we look back at night over the ship's track 
we see, just bordering the crest of the wave, a line of faint 
sparkles appearing and disappearing with the changes of the 
wave — now they flash out in peculiar brilliance, then are lost 
in the dark surge. Some consider that this effect is due to a 
peculiar chemical combustion, others to myriads of animalcules 
capable of luminosity, like the glow-worm, and another theory 
attributes it to electrical conditions. 

The temperature of the sea, like that of rivers, is never con- 
stant, varying according to the seasons. The mean tempera- 
ture of the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, near the coast 
of France, is found to be 59° Fahr. But, beneath the surface, 
the temperature decreases downward, and in mid-ocean the 
temperature has been found as high as 83.4° Fahr. at the sur- 
face, while at the depth of six thousand feet it marked but 
45.5° Fahr. Aime has shown that the lowest temperature 
of the depths of the ocean is equal to the mean temperature 
of the surface during the winter. At the sea-side resorts the 
temperature ranges between 60° and 70° Fahr. during the sea- 
son. The sea-bath is a cold bath, and its effects may almost all 
be deduced from this fact. But it is a cold bath under the 
most favorable conditions. The fascination of the sea, the 
attraction of many bathers in the water at the same time, the 
excitement attendant on the rolling in of the waves, and the 
exercise required in meeting them, contribute to the salutary 
effect that is experienced. Here the person makes no con- 
scious effort to exercise, but the entire surroundings lead him 



SEA-SIDE RESORTS. 377 

to do so, and often so vigorous is this exercise that reaction 
commences while in the water, to be followed by complete 
redness of the surface, and a feeling of renewed energy when 
he retires to the dressing-room and is thoroughly rubbed and 
dried. That the mineral constituents of the water have any 
part in the result is exceedingly doubtful, for, on the one 
hand, the temperature of the water is so low that the skin is 
unprepared for absorption, and, on the other, the period of 
immersion is usually so short that, under the most favorable 
conditions, little absorption could occur. However, it must 
be remembered that, during the entire time, the lungs are 
continually filled with the aroma of the sea, and the blood 
much more highly charged with its medical properties than 
when at the hotel on the shore. The time passed in the bath 
varies from five to twenty minutes, and, where the water is 
unusually warm, it may be extended beyond these limits. 
One bath a day is sufficient, and two each day as many as 
should be indulged by the most vigorous. In some instances 
reaction is not readily established on coming from the bath, 
and, in such cases, in addition to rubbing with the coarse 
towel, it will be advantageous to immerse the feet in warm 
water. It is almost unnecessary to say that morning is the 
preferable time for the bath, and that the stomach should be 
empty when it is taken. The rules given under the title of 
" The Cold Bath " are also applicable to sea-bathing. 

The effect of a course of sea-bathing, according to Durand- 
Fardel, is as follows : The first baths cause excitement, exces- 
sive fatigue, pain in the muscles and course of the nerves, es- 
pecially if the sea has been rough ; sometimes the appetite is 
lost. But, in five or six days, these conditions disappear, and 
a feeling of bien-etre, of vigor and joyousness, succeeds ; at the 
same time the appetite is increased, and the secretions are 
more active, especially those of the kidneys, skin, and lungs. 
But, if the baths are too long continued, after fifteen, twenty, 
or thirty days — according to the individual — the excitement, 
fatigue, and the pain reappear, and, if the baths are not dis- 
continued, all the advantage gained may be lost. 



378 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Sea-baths are especially applicable to persons of lymphatic 
constitutions. In these classes they favorably influence a num- 
ber of diseases by the tonicity wrought in the system. They 
have been highly lauded as a remedy at the age of puberty, 
in both sexes, when there is a want of development, an ap- 
parent failure of the vital force ; they then stimulate to a re- 
newed effort, the pale youth develops into a vigorous boy, and 
the cheek of the anaemic girl assumes the rosy hue of health. 
In cases of delayed or difficult menstruation, accompanied 
with chlorosis in the young girl, sea-baths are of peculiar 
benefit. Indeed, so decided is their influence upon the uterine 
functions that, in women who have ceased to menstruate, the 
flow has reappeared, and those always sterile have become 
enceinte. The beneficial effects to the scrofulous of a residence 
at the sea-side are generally known. 

Sea-bathing is not without danger to those who are reck- 
less, or do not observe the rules which are given for the guid- 
ance of bathers. Those who, in a strong sea, quit the lines 
of rope are never without danger, for, in those seemingly small 
waves, there is a power that can only be appreciated by those 
who have felt their force ; and those who wander beyond the 
prescribed limits, recklessly peril their lives. 

Marshall Hall's ready method for resuscitating persons as- 
phyxiated from drowning, may prove useful to those at the 
sea-side. It is as follows : 

1. Treat the patient instantly on the spot in the open air, 
freely exposing the face, neck, and chest to the breeze, except 
in severe weather. 

2. In order to clear the throat, place the patient gently on 
the face, with one wrist under the forehead, that all fluid and 
the tongue itself may fall forward, and leave the entrance into 
the windpipe free. 

3. To excite respiration, turn the patient slightly on his 
side, and apply some irritating or stimulating agent to his 
nostrils, as ammonia, camphor, etc. 

4. Make the face warm by brisk friction ; then dash cold 
water upon it. 



SEA-SIDE RESORTS. 379 

5. If not successful, lose no time ; but, to imitate respi- 
ration, place the patient on his face, and turn the body gently 
but completely on the side, and a little beyond ; then again 
on the face, and so on alternately. Repeat these movements 
deliberately and perseveringly, fifteen times only in a minute. 
When the patient lies on the chest, this cavity is compressed, 
and expiration takes place. "When he is turned on the side, 
this pressure is removed and inspiration occurs. 

6. When the patient is in the prone position, make a uni- 
form and efficient pressure along the spine, removing the press- 
ure immediately before rotation on the side. The pressure 
augments the expiration ; the rotation commences inspiration. 
Continue these measures without tiring, for restoration often 
results when hope is entirely lost. 

7. Rub the limbs lipward, with firm pressure and with en- 
ergy ' the object being to aid the return of venous blood to 
the heart. 

8. Substitute for the patient's wet clothing, if possible, 
such other covering as can instantly be procured, each by- 
stander supplying a coat or cloak. Meantime, and from time 
to time, to excite inspiration, let the surface of the body be 
slapped briskly with the hand. 

Avoid the immediate removal of the patient, as it involves 
a dangerous loss of time / also the use of the bellows, or any 
forcing instrument. 

SEA-SIDE RESORTS. 

Portland, Maine. — Three miles distant from this city is 
Cushing^s Island, which contains about two hundred and fifty 
acres. It commands magnificent ocean-views. The beach, on 
either side of the island, is exceedingly good, and every facil- 
ity, including bathing-houses, dresses, etc., are at hand. This 
resort is popular with Canadians, and those who prefer a quiet 
retreat to the excessive excitement of more noted places. Fish- 
ing of all kinds is abundant. 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire. — Near this city is Rye Beach, 
growing in popularity. The bathing is good. It may be 



380 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

reached by carriage-drive of seven miles, over an excellent 
road, from Portsmouth, or by train to Greenland, four miles 
from Portsmouth ; thence by stage. Hampton JBeacJb is also 
near by ; not so fashionable as Rye, but celebrated many years 
ago. To good fishing and bathing it adds the attraction of 
charming scenery. Access by railroad, seven miles south- 
west from Portsmouth, to Hampton Station ; thence, by stage, 
to the beach. 

Boston, Massachusetts. — The fashionable sea-side resort of 
Boston is Swampscott. It is twelve miles north of the city, 
on. the coast-line of railroad to Portsmouth. The bathing is 
excellent, with no undertow. Its popularity seems, however, 
to be entirely fortuitous, as the beaches are not large and the 
scenery not peculiarly attractive. 

The best beach in the immediate vicinity of Boston is 
JVahant. It is approached by the coast-line of railroad. The 
passenger leaves the train at Lynn, eleven miles north of Bos- 
ton; thence four miles by stage. It is a charming peninsula 
of rocky islands, connected with each other by a series of un- 
surpassed beaches. Many Cambridge professors choose this 
for their summer home. Chelsea Beach is situated in the 
town of Chelsea, four miles north of Boston by rail. The 
beach is three miles long. It is a pleasant resort. 

Newport, Rhode Island. — This is the most elegant water- 
ing-place in the United States, and the facilities for bathing 
are unsurpassed. The beaches are known as Eastorts, Sa- 
chusefs, and Smith's, the first-named being the most popular. 
The location of Easton's is admirable, the waves rolling in in 
majestic succession, and, at the same time, the bather is with- 
out danger from undercurrents. 

Besides the attraction of Newport as a resort, it is inter- 
esting to those who delight in studying the early history of 
America. 

The drives about Newport are delightful, the new one — • 
ten miles long — giving an unobstructed view of the ocean 
almost the entire distance. 

Narragansett Pier, about one hour's sail from Newport, 



SEA-SIDE RESORTS. 381 

has been known over twenty years as a watering-place ; within 
a few years it has become quite a popular resort. The beach 
is at the mouth of Narragansett Bay. It slopes gradually, 
and there is an absence of strong undercurrents. The Pier is 
also reached by the Shore-line Railroad from New York to 
Boston, leaving the train at Kingston, a station twenty-seven 
miles southwest from Providence, whence stages convey to 
the hotels. 

New York City. — The most fashionable resort in the vicin- 
ity of New York is Long Branch. It is about thirty-two 
miles distant from the city, by steamer to Port Monmouth, or 
Sandy Hook, New Jersey ; thence by rail. Within a few 
years many commodious hotels have been erected, and throngs 
of visitors have gathered during the summer season. Long 
Branch is famed for its bathing, its sea-breezes, its shell-fish, 
and its hotels. Its nearness to New York and Philadelphia, 
and its ease of access, are its chief claims to popularity. 

Coney Island was once a fashionable resort, but it is now 
only sought by those of moderate means. During the summer 
season large numbers go over for a day's pleasure, by steam- 
boat from New York. The distance is ten miles. Or, it is 
reached from Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn, by street-cars. The 
beach is exceedingly fine. 

Mockaway is also one of the once fashionable resorts which 
have fallen into decay, because of their immediate proximity to 
the city. It is accessible during the summer season by steam- 
boat from New York, or from Brooklyn by Long Island Rail- 
way and South Side Railway. 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. — The sea-side resort of Phila- 
delphia is Cape May, New Jersey. It is the extreme southern 
point of the State, having on the one side the Atlantic Ocean, 
and on the other Delaware Bay. It has long been one of the 
most fashionable and elegant sea-side watering-places, patron- 
ized by the inhabitants of every portion of the United States, 
but especially from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and 
the West and South. The beach is over five miles long, ex- 
ceedingly firm and solid, and offers every facility for the enjoy 



382 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



ment of sea-bathing. Here the hotels are built almost on the 
beach, in full view of the ocean, giving easy access to the 
baths, and affording the amplest opportunity for breathing 
sea-air. Cape May is reached by cars from Philadelphia on 
the West Jersey Railroad, distance eighty-one miles south. 
Passengers from New York change cars at Camden ; thence 
southward. 

Atlantic City is on the eastern coast of New Jersey, about 
sixty miles southeast by rail, via the Camden & Atlantic 
Railroad. There are fine accommodations for bathing. 



APPEND IX. 



ADAMS SPRINGS. 



nation, etc. — See page 


333 


ANALYSIS. 1 






One pint contains : 




Solids. 






Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 




. 


7.129 


Carbonate of magnesia 




. 12.378 


Carbonate of iron . 




. 


0.064 


Carbonate of lime 


. 




. 3.589 


Chloride of sodium 




. 


0.514 


Potassa salts . 


. 




. traces. 


Nitric acid . 




. . • 


traces. 


Silica . 


. 




. 0.902 


Organic matter 




. 


0.351 


Total . 


. 24.927 


Gas. 






Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid 




. 


38.00 



Properties. — According to the analysis, this is an exceed 
ingly valuable alkaline water, resembling in character the 
celebrated Vichy of France, though in this water the alkaline 
carbonate of magnesia seems to predominate, while in the 
Vichv it is the alkaline carbonate of soda. 



ALAMEDA WARM SPRINGS. 

Location. — Alameda County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, go by rail forty-seven miles south to San 
Jose, thence by stage. From Oakland, go by Central Pacific Railroad to 
Niles, thence by stage. 

Hotel.— Warm Springs. 

1 " Second Biennial Eeport of State Board of Health of California," p. 122. 



384 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Analysis. — The waters contain sulphur, lime, magnesia, and 
iron, in various proportions. No exact analysis has been made. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated about two miles 
from the old Mission of San Jose, near the banks of Agua 
Caliente Creek, in the midst of a grove of oak and other 
trees. Its balmy climate and pleasant surroundings render 
it one of the most attractive resorts near San Francisco. To 
the east, Mission Peak, the highest of the Contra Costa Moun- 
tains, attains an elevation of 2,275 feet, presenting, with its 
angular outlines, its grassy sides, and its patches of evergreen 
encinal and chamizal, a grand background to the intervening 
landscape. From this peak is obtained a charming view of 
San Jose, Oakland, and the city and bay of San Francisco. 
The old mission buildings are still in good repair, being used 
as a Catholic church ; and the orchards planted so many years 
ago by the padres yet flourish and bear annually large crops. 1 



B. 



BIRCH-DALE SPRINGS 




Location, etc. — See page 337. 




ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains : 


Concord Spring, 
C. F. Chandler. 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda .... 


0.016 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 0.063 


Carbonate of iron . . 


0.034 


Carbonate of lime 


. 0.182 


Chloride of sodium 


0.047 


Sulphate of potassa 


. 0.008 


Sulphate of soda .... 


0.032 


Phosphate of soda 


. 0.001 


Alumina ..... 


0.014 


Silica ..... 


. 0.115 


Organic matter . . 


0.084 


Total .... 


. 0.596 




(1873.) 



From Stephen Powers, Esq. 



APPENDIX. 



385 



Properties. — According to the analysis, this is a calcic 
water. 

BLUE RIDGE SPRINGS. 

Loeation and Post-Office. — Blue Ridge Springs, Botetourt County, Vir- 
ginia. 

Access. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, two hundred and twenty-six miles south- 
west to the station (Blue Ridge Springs), or from Knoxville, via Virginia & 
Tennessee Railroad, two hundred and ninety-one miles northeast. 

Hotel.— Blue Ridge. 





ANALYSIS. 




One pint 


contains (F. A. Genth) : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


• 


0.223 


Carbonate of iron 


. 


. 0.037 


Carbonate of lime . 


.... 


0.472 


Chloride of sodium 


. . . 


. 0.031 


Sulphate of potassa 


. 


0.050 


Sulphate of soda 


. 


. 0.122 


Sulphate of magnesia 


. 


5.944 


Sulphate of lime 


. . 


. 12.527 


Alumina 


. . 


0.018 


Silicic acid 


* 


. 0.157 



Total . . . . . 19.581 

(1873.) 

Properties. — These are exceedingly valuable purgative cal- 
cic waters, a combination seldom met with, the laxative action 
of the sulphate of magnesia being favorably modified by the 
sulphate of lime and alkaline carbonates. The waters prove 
diuretic, aperient, or purgative, according to the quantity 
taken. They are especially beneficial in dyspepsia associated 
with engorgement of the liver and spleen, and attended with 
constipation. Also, as a result of the presence of the calcic 
ingredients, they relieve chronic inflammations of the bladder 
and urinary organs. 

Owing to the stable combination of the ingredients of this 
water, there is no deposit even after long standing, and it is 
therefore well adapted for transportation. 

Remarks. — This resort, though but recently brought promi- 



386 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



nently before the public, has met with much favor. Its accom- 
modations have been largely increased, and located as it is, 
immediately on the line of the railroad, and amid the beautiful 
scenery near the summit of the mountains, it is an exceedingly 
pleasant summer retreat. Only one and a half mile from the 
hotel is Wild-Cat Knob, giving a far-extended view of valley 
and mountain scenery, including the Peaks of Otter. 



BOSAX SPRINGS. 

Location. — Lake County, California. 

Access. — Go to Vallejo, then take the cars for Calistoga, thence by regu- 
lar stage to Lower Lake, Lake County, thence by private conveyance. 
Hotel. . 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (J. A. Veatch) : 
Solids. 
Carbonate of soda . 
Carbonate of ammonia 
Chloride of sodium 
Iodide of magnesium . 
Biborate of soda . 



Alumina 

Silicic acid 

Matters volatile at red heat 

Total 
Gas. 
Carbonic acid . 



Grains. 
6.671 
8.613 

10.611 
0.011 

12.911 
0.157 
1.029 
8.221 

48.190 

Cubic in. 

9.60 



Analysis.^—" These substances being calculated as anhy- 
drous salts and borax, containing 47 per cent, of water when 
crystallized, causes 12,911 grains in the above analysis to be 
equal to 24,417 of commercial borax. There are probably no 
springs in the world which contain so large a per cent, of 
ammoniacal salts as these." 2 

Remarks. — Two miles south of these springs is Borax 
Lake, which was discovered by Dr. Veatch in September, 
1859. When filled up by the winter rains it is about 6,000 
feet long and 2,000 feet wide. The bottom of it consists of 

1 Also traces of sulphate of lime, chloride of potassium, and bromide of 
a " The Natural Wealth of California." 



APPENDIX. 



387 



black, jelly-like mud, full of crystals of biborate of soda, from 
which is manufactured about three thousand pounds of borax 
daily. Prof. Oxland found this mud to contain 17.73 per cent, 
of borax ; Mr. Moore, a chemist of San Francisco, found 18.86 
per cent. 

One of these springs discharges nearly one hundred gallons 
of water per minute ; and all of them together discharge about 
three hundred gallons per minute. It is allowed to run to 
waste because of the more abundant material in the lake. 
They are scattered over an area of eight acres. Near them 
is a deposit of sulphur, covering forty thousand square yards, 
from beneath which these springs appear to flow. 



c. 



CALISTOGA. 




ation, etc.— See page 289. 




ANALYSIS, i 




One pint contains (F. W. Hatch, M. D., 97 s 


» Fahr.) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


0.425 


Chloride of sodium .... 


. 2.781 


Chloride of calcicum 


0.408 


Sulphate of soda .... 


. 0.202 


Sulphate of magnesia 


0.058 


Silica ...... 


. 0.812 


Alumina ..... 


trace. 


Total ..... 


. 4.686 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


0.40 



CANADA. 

The vicinity of St. Leon Springs and Caxton Springs 
abounds in mineral waters, as I am informed by W. H. Parker, 
Esq. The Durocher Spring, the water of which is very pleas- 
ant to the taste, is situated on the west side of the river, a 

1 " Second Biennial Keport of California State Board of Health," by T. M. Logan, M. D., 
p. 127. 



388 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



quarter of a mile below Caxton, and the St. Pierre, two miles 
farther down on the east side. There is also a mineral spring 
a quarter of a mile above Caxton ; and, two miles beyond, a 
basin, in which a number of springs are found. ' Near Berthier 
there are two, and at St. Heneri, a few miles from Joliette, 
another. There is also one in the parish of St. Joseph, and 
one in the parish of St. Severe, on the little Y'Machiche River. 



CATOOSA SPRINGS. 

Location. — (See page 240.) A station known as Catoosa has been estab- 
lished on the Western & Atlantic Railroad ; thence two miles to springs. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


All-Healing. 
Wm. J. Land. 


Red Sweet. 
Wm. J. Land. 


White Sulphur. 
Wm. J. Land. 


Buffalo. 
Wm. J. Land. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.013 
0.031 
0.878 
0.016 
0.001 
0.440 
trace. 
0.005 
0.016 
0.275 
0.187 
3.317 
0.063 
4.855 
0.025 
0.037 
0.151 
0.052 
0.015 
0.002 
0.003 


Grains. 
0.014 
0.036 
0.993 
0.018 
0.002 
0.497 
trace. 
0.006 
0.018 
0.311 
0.212 
8.747 
0.083 
5.483 
0.029 
0.041 
0.171 
0.059 
0.017 
0.002 
0.003 


Grains. 
0.014 
0.032 
1.050 
0.035 
0.003 
0.481 
trace. 
0.005 
0.017 
0.290 
0.209 
4.001 
0.309 
5.601 
0.026 
0.088 
0.018 
0.040 
0.012 
0.002 
0.001 


Grains. 
0.002 


Carbonate of soda 


0.003 
1.087 




0.035 


Carbonate of manganese .• 


0.002 
0.482 








0.005 




0.014 




0.289 




0.209 




4.127 




0.298 




5.625 


Sulphate of strontia 


0.036 




0.041 


Bromide of calcium 


0.019 
0.004 




0.114 




0.001 


Crenic and apocrenic acids 


0.001 


Total 


10.382 
Cubic in. 

1.17 
(1873.) 


11.742 

Cubic in. 
1.16 

(1873.) 


12.184 

Cubic in. 

1.19 

0.01 

(1873.) 


12.394 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 
1.22 




trace. 




(1873.) 



Besides the above-named springs, there are six others 
which have been analyzed, as follows : the Cosmetic, the Cha- 
lybeate, the Magnesia, the Congress, the iUum, and the Black 
Sulphur. The Alum spring contains considerable sulphate of 
alumina, though not as much as the White Sulphur. The 
Buffalo spring contains a larger proportion of saline matter 
than any of the springs analyzed. 



APPENDIX. 



389 



Properties. — These are purgative-calcic waters with an 
active proportion of alkaline carbonates, a combination not 
often found, and one which renders the waters of special value 
in dyspepsia associated with constipation and hepatic en- 
gorgement. In chronic hyperemia of the liver and enlarge- 
ment of the spleen they are said to prove beneficial. The 
calcic salts render them effective in catarrh of the bladder. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated in an elevated basin 
of the Blue Ridge, bounded on either hand by mountain-sum- 
mits. Something over a mile distant is Sandstone Mountain, 
which rises 1,800 feet above the valley. From the summit 
Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain are distinctly visible. 
The hotel, rebuilt in 1872, occupies three sides of a rectangle, 
and looks out on the area containing the springs, fifty-two in 
number, which issue from a bed of hard black slate. The air 
of the locality is pure and bracing, and even in midsummer 
the nights are cool. 



CAXTON SPRING. 
Location, about seven miles east of St. Leon springs, see page 334. 
ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (T. Sterry Hunt) : 




Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia .... 


1.121 


Carbonate of iron .... 


0.039 


Carbonate of lime .... 


1.574 


Chloride of potassium 


0.583 


Chloride of sodium .... 


85.828 


Chloride of magnesium 


2.661 


Chloride of calcium . . 


0.366 


Iodine ..... 


traces. 


Bromide of magnesium .... 


0.249 


Alumina ..... 


0.036 


Silica ...... 


0.349 


Total .... 


99.406 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 


Carbonic acid . . . . 


9.93 



Properties. — This is a good alkaline-saline water. 



390 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

CHERRY VALLEY. 

Location, etc. — See page 210. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Phosphate Spring. Prof. Perkins) : 

Solids. Grains. 

Carbonate of magnesia . . . . 0.5 7 2 

Carbonate of iron ..... 0.078 

Carbonate of lime . • . . 0.358 

Chloride of sodium ..... 0.059 

Sulphate of lime . . • • . 0.659 

Phosphate of lime (acid) • • • . 1.721 

Silica ...... 0.078 



Total ...... 3.525 

Gk 

GEYSER SPA SPRING. 
Location. — Sonoma County, California. 

ANALYSIS.* 
One pint contains (F. W. Hatch, M. D.) : 



Grains. 

Carbonate of soda .... 2.036 

Carbonate of magnesia .... 0.726 

Carbonate of iron . . . . 0.475 

Carbonate of lime ..... 0.570 

Chloride of sodium .... 1.245 

Sulphate of soda ..... 0.425 

Silica 0.275 

Loss ....... 0.040 

Total . . . . . 5.792 



GLACIER SPRING. 
Location. — Saratoga. 

1 " Second Biennial Eeport, California State Board of Health, 1 ' p. 129. 



APPENDIX. 




ANALYSIS. 




One pint contains (48° Fahr. C. F. Chandler) : 


Solids. 


Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


1.528 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. ' 14.365 


Carbonate of iron 


0.059 


Carbonate of lime 


. 19.712 


Carbonate of lithia 


0.565 


Carbonate of strontia 


0.008 


Carbonate of baryta 


0.213 


Chloride of potassium 


5.055 


Chloride of sodium 


81.119 


Sulphate of potassa . 


0.031 


Phosphate of soda 


0.001 


Iodide of sodium 


0.029 


Bromide of sodium 


0.447 


Fluoride of calcium . . . 


traces. 


Biborate of soda 


traces. 


Alumina .... 


0.057 


Silica 


0.087 


Organic matter 


trace. 


Total 


129.936 


Gas. 


Cub. in. 


Carbonic acid 


. 68.18 



391 



Properties. — As will be seen on comparison of analysis, 
this spring is one of the richest in mineral constituents of any 
at Saratoga. It readily produces a laxative effect. 

Remarks. — This spring is about one mile south of the vil- 
lage, and direct]y opposite the Geyser. This, like the Geyser, 
is a spouting spring, throwing a column of water to the height 
of fifty-two feet through a quarter-inch opening. The depth 
of the well is three hundred feet. 



GREEN SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office . — Green Springs, Sandusky County, Ohio. 
Access. — Green Springs is a station on the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleve- 
land Kailroad, twenty-two miles south from Sandusky. 
Hotel.— Springs. 



392 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains 


(50° Fahr. 


0. N. Stoddard) 




Solids. 






Grains. 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


, 


2.798 


Carbonate of iron 


. 




2.462 


Chloride of potassium 


. 


. 


0.310 


Sulphate of magnesia 


. 


. 


4.51*7 


Sulphate of iron 


. 


. 


0.816 


Sulphate of lime 


. 


. 


13.176 


Bromide of potassium 


. 


. 


2.095 


Silica 


, 


• . • 


0.762 


Alumina . 


• 


• 


0.122 


Total 


27.058 


Gas. 






Oub. in. 


Carbonic acid 


. . 


. . 


12.06 



H. 



HARBIN SPRINGS. 



Location, etc. — See page 334. 

Analysis?— This water is said to be Highly charged with 
sulphur, soda, iron, and magnesia, the sulphur predominating. 
The temperature of the springs ranges from 118° to 120° Fahr. 

Properties. — These thermal waters are chiefly used for 
bathing, and are applicable to the diseases for which this class 
of waters are usually prescribed. The water is said to feel 
" as soft and agreeable to the skin as if it were oil." 

Remarks. — These springs are twenty miles north of Calis- 
toga, and four miles west of Middletown, in a wild and pict- 
uresque canon of the Coast Range Mountains. A number 
of bath-rooms have been constructed, and also plunge-baths. 



HIGHLAND SPRINGS. 

Location. — Napa County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, via Cloverdale or Calistoga. 

Analysis. — An incomplete examination reveals sulphate 
and carbonate of magnesia, chloride of sodium, manganese, 

1 Ohio Geological Survey, 1873, vol. i., " Geology," p. 609. 

2 " Second Biennial Eeport, California State Board of Health," p. 122. 



APPENDIX. 



893 



potassium, silica, and calcium; also a trace of sulphur. They 
are highly charged with carbonic-acid gas. 

Remarks. — These springs have been a resort for several 
years of invalids afflicted with rheumatism and other chronic 
diseases. On account of the thermality of the water they 
are much used in the way of baths. 



JORDAN ALUM SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Jordan Alum Springs, Rockbridge County, 
Virginia. 

Access. — From Washington via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad, 
and Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, to Goshen, one hundred and eighty-eight 
miles southwest, thence one hour by stage to the springs. From the West, 
via Cincinnati and the Ohio River to Huntington, oue hundred and sixty-five 
miles east ; thence via Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, two hundred and fifty- 
one miles southeast, to Goshen. 

Hotel. — Jordan Alum. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 



Solids. 

Carbonate of magnesia 

Carbonate of iron 

Carbonate of manganese 

Chloride of sodium 

Sulphate of potassa 

Sulphate of soda 

Sulphate of magnesia 

Sulphate of alumina 

Sulphate of iron 

Sulphate of lime 

Phosphate of iron 

Phosphate of lime (tribasic). 

Iodide of sodium 

Sihcate of soda 

Crenate of iron 

Crenate of ammonia 

Alumina 

Silica 

Sulphuric acid (free) 

Organic matter 

Total 

Gaser. 

Carbonic acid 

Oxygen 

Nitrogen 



Alum Spring. 
Wm. E. Aikin. 



0.091 
0.164 
0.022 
0.647 
3.172 
2.317 
0.555 
0.031 

o'.088 
0.314 
0.085 
0.066 



2.955 
0.073 



10.5S0 



Cubic in 
0.77 



Chalybeate Spring. 

52.7° Fahr. 

T. W. Mallet. 



Grains. 
0.092 
0.088 
0.005 
0.014 
0.016 
0.017 



0.464 
0.002 



0.007 
0.090 



0.011 



i 0.806 

Cubic in. 
0.70 
0.20 
1.07 

(1S73.) 



1 In addition, traces of arsenic and copper were found in the ochreous deposit, also a 
slight trace of nitric acid, and, by the spectroscope, distinct evidence of carbonate of litbia. 



394 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

Properties. — This is one of the valuable alum waters of 
Virginia, which has been found efficacious in scrofula, chronic 
diarrhoea, scrofulous skin-diseases, etc. According to Prof. 
Mallet's analysis the iron of the chalybeate spring is in the 
form most readily absorbed, that of a carbonate, and accom- 
panied with free carbonic-acid gas. Such waters are valuable 
in chlorosis and other diseases accompanied by impoverished 
blood. 

Remarks. — This resort is situated in a mountain-nook 
formed by North Mountain on the one hand, and Mill Moun- 
tain on the other. It is one of those places which attract by 
pleasant surroundings as well as by the value of the water. 



M. 

MANITOTT SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office. — Manitou, El Paso County, Colorado. 
Access. — From Denver, via Denver & Rio Grande Railroad,^ seventy-six 
miles south, to Colorado Springs, thence five miles west by stage. 
Hotel. — Manitou Hotel. 

ANALYSIS. 

It is to be regretted that an accurate analysis of these waters has not 
been made. An analysis of a solid residue, obtained by boiling down an 
unknown quantity of the water, and sent to T. M. Drown, Philadelphia, 
shows the following percentage : 

Soltds. Grains. 

Bicarbonate of soda .... 24.01 

Bicarbonate of magnesia . • . . 8.89 

Bicarbonate of lime .... 15.62 

Chloride of potassium .... 10.01 

Chloride of sodium . . . . 36.69 

Sulphate of soda ..... 4.78 



Total ..... 100.00 

Properties. — It is obvious from the above report that these 
waters contain valuable alkaline and saline constituents, and 



APPENDIX. 395 

it is probable that it is of the same character as the Selters 
water of Germany. 

Remarks. — These springs are situated in a picturesque 
mountain district, at an elevation of 6,529 feet above the sea. 
Within view is the snow-clad summit of Pike's Peak, also the 
Chiann Mountain, and near at hand is the famed " Garden of 
the Gods." In addition to the spring which gives name to 
the place, there are also the Navajo, the Iron Ute, the Co- 
manche, the Pawnee, the Shoshone, and the Arapahoe. 

The climate of this portion of Colorado has lately attract- 
ed considerable attention as a resort for persons suffering 
from pulmonary diseases, and, with due regard to the selection 
of such cases as retain sufficient vitality, there is no doubt 
that many cases of phthisis will be benefited, if not cured, by 
resorting and remaining there. Although the winters are of 
considerable severity when compared with tropical resorts, 
yet as a result of the dry atmosphere and sunshiny days the 
cold is said to be but little felt. The summer weather is 
delightful, the temperature at Colorado Springs during two 
successive seasons (1872-73) not rising above 90° Fahr., the 
average summer temperature for the respective years being 
74^° Fahr. and 77° Fahr. During the year from December 1, 
1872, to December 1, 1873, there were 237 clear days, 75 fair 
days, and but 53 cloudy days, while the previous year the 
number of cloudy days was but 44. As a resort for asthmatics 
the climate enjoys special (and it would seem well-deserved) 
reputation. 

MASSANETTA SPRINGS. 

Location. — Rockingham County, Virginia. 

Post-Office. — Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Virginia. 

Iccess. — From Washington, via Orange, Alexandria & Manassas Railroad 
to Harrisonburg, 138 miles west, thence four miles by stage. Or, by Chesa- 
peake & Ohio Railroad and connection to Staunton, thence north twenty-five 
miles by stage to Harrisonburg. 

Hotel. 

Analysis. — A qualitative analysis by Prof. Rogers showed 
the water to contain carbonic acid, oxygen, and nitrogen, in 
18 



396 



MINEKAL SPRINGS. 



abundance ; also, chlorine, iodine, potassium, sodium, magne- 



sium, iron, calcium, and arsenic. 



Remarks. — These springs are situated on the east side of 
the Valley of Virginia, near the peaks of Massanetta Moun- 
tain. They were formerly called Taylors Springs. 



K 



NAPA SODA SPRINGS. 

Location, etc.— See page 334. 

ANALYSIS. 

One pint contains (Lanzweert) : 
Solids. 
Carbonate of soda 
Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of iron 
Carbonate of lime 
Chloride of sodium 
Sulphate of soda 
Silicic acid 
Alumina 
Loss 

Total . 



Grains. 
1.138 
3.265 
0.980 
1.360 
0.650 
0.230 
0.085 
0.075 
0.310 

8.093 



Properties. — According to the analysis, this is an alkaline- 
chalybeate water. 

Remarks. — These springs are at an elevation of about 
1,000 feet above the level of Napa Valley, on the slope of the 
mountain. There is a great number of them, issuing from an 
area of about thirty-five acres. Some of them discharge very 
little water — others enough to fill an inch-pipe. Some merely 
ooze from the slate formation of the mountain. 

The liquid from the largest spring is a fine quality of 
natural soda-water, highly charged with carbonic acid, and in 
California has nearly supplanted all importations. Gasometers 
are placed over the larger springs to collect the gas, which is 
there conveyed by pipes into the main gasometer, and forced 
into the bottles under a pressure of forty-five to sixty pounds. 



APPENDIX. 



39Y 



O. 

ORKNEY SPRINGS. 
Location, etc. — See page 340. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains — 


Healing Spring. 

58.6° Fahr. 
T. W. Mallet. 


Powder Spring. 

59.7° Fahr. 
T. W. Mallet. 


Bear-Wallow Spring. 

58.6" Fahr". 

T. W. Mallet. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
0.002" 
0.141 
0.058 
0.001 
1.033 
0.004 
0.015 
0.023 

0.664 

0.143 
0.002 

0.104 


Grains. 
0.406 . 
0.3t59 
0.027 
0.002 
0.477 
0.003 
0.044 
0.020 

0.002 

0.2l9 

trace. 
0.055 

0.173 
trace. 


Grains. 










Carbonate of manganese 






0.008 




0.011 




0.026 


Sulphate of magnesia 


0.305 
0.007 


Sulphate of iron (ferrous) 


0.567 




0.089 




0.008 


Phosphate of lime (tribasic) 


0.001 




0.044 


Silica 


0.192 
O.OOS 






Total 


11.530 

Cubic in, 
0.48 

017 
0.31 

(1874.) 


2 1.797 

Cubic in. 
0.89 
0.61 

0.29 
(1874.) 


s 1.266 


Gases. 


Cubic in. 
0.60 


Sulphuretted hydrogen 


0.05 


Nitrogen 


0.15 




(1874.) 



Properties. — These springs present three different kinds 
of waters. The Healing SpriDg is an alkaline-calcic water 
with sufficient iron to adapt it to anasmic cases. Such waters 
prove beneficial in catarrh of the bladder, and gravel, especial- 
ly when the disease is associated with debility. The Powder 
Spring is an alkaline-sulphur water, and in addition to its 
adaptation to diseases of the urinary organs may be expected 
to prove of service in dyspepsia of the gastn'tic type. The 
Bear- Wallow Spring is a chalybeate water, modified by the 

i In addition, a distinct trace of carbonate of lithia and a faint trace of fluoride of lime. 

2 In addition, traces of carbonate of lithia, chloride of ammonium, and sulphate of cop- 
per ; a distinct trace of sulphate of barium, a faint trace of sulphate of strontia, and, in the 
sediment, a distinct trace of arsenic. 

3 Also traces of chloride of ammonium and iodide of sodium, a distinct trace of sulphate 
of copper, and, in the sediment, a distinct trace of arsenic. 



398 MINEEAL SPKINGS. 

presence of sulphate of magnesia and potassa, and sulphuric 
acid. It has considerable reputation for the cure of chronic 
diarrhoea, scrofula, and diseases depending on impoverished 
blood. 

Remarks. — This resort is pleasantly situated on the east- 
ern slope of North Mountain, where pure air may be enjoyed. 
The Healing Spring is about one mile north of the hotel. The 
water is clear, devoid of smell, and somewhat styptic in taste. 
A flocculent whitish sediment accumulates at the bottom and 
sides of the spring. The flow is thirty gallons per hour. 
The Powder Spring is about one mile and a quarter in an 
easterly direction. The water is clear, but has the smell and 
taste due to sulphuretted hydrogen. The Bear- Wallow Spring 
is within the grounds of the hotel. It has the usual taste of 
chalybeate waters, and deposits an ochreous sediment which 
is used by visitors as an application to indolent ulcers. 

s. 

SEIGKLEB, SPRINGS. 

Location. — Lake County, California. 

Access. — From San Francisco, or Sacramento, go by daily boat to Vallejo, 
thence by rail to Calistoga, thence by stage to Seigler Valley. 

Remarks. — Seigler Valley is about five miles in circum- 
ference, surrounded by mountains of very picturesque appear- 
ance. One of these mountains, from which the valley is 
named, contains the springs, which vary from icy coldness to 
boiling heat, of different flavors and colors, including one of 
cold soda-water. 

Lake County is well called the " Switzerland of California." 
Lying at an elevation of about 1,500 feet above the sea, com- 
posed mainly of a single vallej 7 ", walled all around by moun- 
tains between 3,000 and 4,000 feet high, with a lake in the 
centre of it, every way as romantic and picturesque as Lake 
Como, and a climate of great salubrity, this beautiful Alpine 
region is destined to become the sanitarium of San Francisco. 1 

1 Stephen Powers. 



APPENDIX. 



399 



SLATERVILLE SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Slaterville, Tompkins County, New York. 

Access. — Go to Owego on the Erie Eailroad, thence via Delaware, Lacka- 
wanna & Western Railroad to Caroline Station, thence three and a half miles 
by stage. Or from Auburn, on the New Jersey Central Railroad, via South- 
ern Central Railroad to Richford Station, thence eight miles by stage. 

Hotels. — Hasbroucke, Fountain. 

Analysis. — According to an analysis by B. Hitchcock, 
these waters contain 1. 46 grain solid constituents in a pint of 
the water ; the amount, however, of each ingredient, consist- 
ing of silicic acid, sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, hydrochloric 
acid, oxide of iron, alumina, lime, magnesia, and soda, is not 
stated. The tube of the well is magnetic. Temperature, 
45° Fahr. 

SPARTA ARTESIAN WELL. 

Location and Post-Office.— 'Sparta, Monroe County, Wisconsin. 
Access. — From Milwaukee, via La Crosse Division of Milwaukee & St. 
Paul Railroad, 170 miles north-west to Sparta. 
Hotel. 

ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (J. M. Hirsh) 
Solids. 
Carbonate of soda . . , 

Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of iron 
Carbonate of manganese i 

Carbonate of lime 
Carbonate of ammonia 
Carbonate of lithia 
Carbonate of strontia 
Carbonate of baryta 
Chloride of sodium .... 

Chloride of calcium 

Sulphate of potassa .... 

Sulphate of soda .... 

Sulphate of lime .... 

Phosphate of soda . . 

Phosphate of alumina 

Iodide of sodium .... 

Silica ...... 

Hydric sulphide .... 

Total . 



Grains. 
0.015 
0.249 
1.083 

trace. 1 
0.029 

trace. 1 
0.002 
0.001 

trace. 1 
0.014 
0.063 
0.066 
0.230 
0.018 
0.007 
0.006 

trace. 1 
0.029 

trace. 1 

1.812 



1 In the original analysis these amounts are determined, but in reducing to the pint it 
carries the figures beyond the third place of decimals, and therefore is noted " trace.'' 



400 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Properties. — It will be seen from the analysis that this is 
an unusually fine chalybeate water, a pure chalybeate, and the 
iron is in the form most readily assimilated, that of a car- 
bonate. 

SPENCER SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Oifice. — Spencer Springs, Tioga County, New York. 

Access. — From New York, via Erie Railroad, to Owego, 236 miles ; thence 
by Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad to Candor Station, ten miles ; 
thence six miles by stage to springs. 

Hotel. — Spencer Springs. 

Analysis. — A qualitative analysis by George Hadley shows 
the sulphur spring to contain a considerable proportion of 
carbonates and chlorides, with sulphuretted hydrogen. The 
iron-water, besides containing considerable iron, also holds 
alkaline carbonates in solution. 



ST. HELENA WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Location, etc. — See " White Sulphur Springs," page 184, which are the 
same. 



ANALYSIS, i 






One pint contains — 


No. 2. 

89.6° Fahr. 

Prof. Le Conte. 


No. 6. 

86° Fahr. 

Prof. Le Conte. 


No. 7. 

69.8° Fahr. 

Prof. Le Conte. 


Soijds. 


Grains. 

0.077 
0.156 
2.715 
0.108 
0.145 
1.032 
0.331 


Grains. 
0.070 
0.305 
2.951 
0.277 
0.107 
1.416 
0.231 


Grains. 
0.545 




0.695 




0.779 




0.081 




0.097 




1.605 




0.202 






Total 


4.564 
Cubic in. 

0.76 


5.357 

Cubic In. 
0.53 


4.004 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 

trace. 







Properties. — These are mild saline-sulphur waters, with 
sufficient sulphate of soda to render them aperient. They 
will undoubtedly be found useful in many of the diseases to 
which sulphur-waters are adapted. Their elevated tempera- 
ture well adapts them for bathing purposes. 

1 " Second Biennial Eeport California State Board of Health," by Thomas M. Logan, 
M. D., p. 126. 



APPENDIX. 



401 



Remarks. — This is a pleasant resort for summer tourists. 
The springs are situated in a deep, romantic canon of Napa 
County, about two miles west from the town of St. Helena. 



SUMMIT 


SODA SPRINGS. 




nation, etc.— See page 332. 






ANALYSIS. 1 




One 


pint contains : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of soda . 




1.187 


Carbonate of magnesia 


. 


. 0.525 


Carbonate of lime 




3.751 


Chloride of sodium 


... 


. 3.277 


Oxide of iron 


. 


0.218 


Potassa 


. 


trace. 


Silica 


. . • . 


0.257 


Alumina 


. 


. 0.218 


Total 


9.433 


Gas. 




Cub. in. 


Carbonic acid 




. 23.29 



Properties. — According to the analysis, these are chalyb- 
eate waters, containing so large a proportion of carbonic acid 
as to hold the oxide of iron in solution as a carbonate, the 
form most readily assimilated. The presence of alkaline salts 
and chloride of sodium modifies the character of the water. 

SWAYNE'S MAMMOTH SPRINGS. 

Location. — Henry County, Tennessee. 
Post-Office. — Springville, Henry County, Tennessee. 

Access. — Springville is a depot on the Memphis & Louisville Railroad, 
140 miles east of Memphis, thence three miles and a half by stage to springs. 
Hotel. — Springs. 

Analysis. — Prof. J. M. Safford has made an analysis of a 
solid residue of the artesian white sulphur, though from what 
quantity of water is not stated, showing the chief constituents 
to be chlorides, carbonates, and sulphates, the chlorides being 
in excess. There is also a large quantity of sulphuretted hy- 
drogen in the water. 



•Second Biennial Keport California State Board of Health," p. 115. 



402 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



Properties. — The water is undoubtedly of the saline-sul- 
phur class. 

Remarks. — Besides the spring analyzed, there are twelve 
others at this resort. The Artesian " is a natural wonder, 
supplying fifteen barrels per minute, through a four-foot res- 
ervoir, and capable of rising by its own force eighteen feet." 

T. 



TRITON SPRING. 
Location* — Saratoga, about two miles south of the village. 
ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains (60° Fahr. S. P. £ 
Solids. 
Carbonate of soda 


Sharpies) : 

Grains. 
5.861 


Carbonate of magnesia 
Carbonate of iron 
Carbonate of lime . 
Carbonate of lithia 
Carbonate of strontia 


5.221 
0.141 
. 11.407 
0.403 
trace. 


Carbonate of baryta 

Chloride of potassium 

Chloride of sodium . . - 


0.102 
2.123 

29.812 


Sulphate of potassa 
Iodide of sodium 


trace. 
0.005 


Bromide of sodium . 


0.225 


Fluoride of calcium 


trace. 


Alumina . 


trace. 


Silica ..... 


0.160 


Total .... 
Gas. 
Carbonic acid .... 


55.460 
Cub. in. 
45.10 




(1872) 



TTJXE RIVER SODA SPRING. 

Location. — Tulare County, California. 

Access. — Take the San Joaquin Valley Railroad at Stockton and ride to 
Visalia, thence by daily stage to Porterville, thence about fifteen miles by 
private conveyance. 

Hotel. . 



APPENDIX. 



403 



Remarks. — This spring was brought into notice in 1870 
by Dr. E. B. Bateman. It issues from a crevice at the foot 
of an immense granite bowlder, on the bank of a little brook, 
and is an agreeable, pungent water, highly charged with car- 
bonic-acid gas. It is in a wild mountain-region, and forms a 
most grateful retreat from the fervent heat of Tulare Valley. 
Near by is the Painted Rock, a cavern whose walls are cov- 
ered with rude figures of men and animals, sketched by some 
extinct race. 1 



u. 



UNION SPRING. 



Location* — Saratoga Springs. 



ANALYSIS. 



One pint contains 


(48 


° Fahr. 


C. F. Chandler) : 




Solids. 






Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 




" . 


1.471 


Carbonate of magnesia 










8.125 


Carbonate of iron 








» 








0.024 


Carbonate of lime 
















8.396 


Carbonate of lithia 
















0.236 


Carbonate of baryta . 


















0.1 75 


Carbonate of strontia 


















trace. 


Chloride of potassium 


















1.092 


Chloride of sodium 


















57.287 


Sulphate of potassa 


















0.227 


Phosphate of soda 


















0.003 


Iodide of sodium 


















0.005 


Bromide of sodium 


















0.163 


Fluoride of calcium . 


















trace. 


Biborate of soda . 


















trace. 


Alumina 


















0.040 


Silica 












0.331 


Organic matter 


• 




• 


• 




trace. 


Total 


77.575 


Gas. 






Cub. in. 


Carbonic acid 




. 


48.12 
(1873) 


*£ 


tep] 


lenl 


'ovrt 


rs. 













404 



MINERAL SPRINGS. 



V. 



VALHERMOSO SPRINGS. 

Location and Post-Office. — Valhermoso Springs, Morgan County, Alabama* 
AccesSt — From Decatur, a station on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, 
188 miles east from Memphis, via steamboat on Tennessee River, twenty-five 
miles to landing, thence two miles and a half to the springs. 
Hotel. — Valhermoso. 

Analysis, — None. The waters are said to be sulphur and 
chalybeate. 

Remarks. — The resort is situated amid the spurs of the 
Cumberland Mountains, and the nights are cool. Cascades 
and caves invite the visitor to morning rambles. Previous to 
the war this was a popular watering-place, known as "Mor- 
gan County," " Manning's," " Wallace's " Springs, etc. 



VICHY SPRINGS. 



cation, etc.— See page 333. 






ANALYSIS.! 




One pint 


contains : 




Solids. 




Grains. 


Carbonate of soda 


, , 


17.440 


Carbonate of lime 


. , 


2.878 


Chloride of sodium 


. 


4.200 


Sulphate of magnesia 


. 


1.500 


Sulphate of lime . 


. 


5.250 


Oxide of iron 


. . 


0.600 


Silica . . . 


• • 


trace. 


Total 


. 31.868 


Gas. 




Cub. in. 


Carbonic acid 


. 


29.85 



VICHY. 
Location, etc. — See page 341. 

1 " Second Biennial Eeport California State Board of Health," p. 130. 



APPENDIX. 



405 











Cusset Wells. 


One pint contains — 


Elizabeth. 

62.2° Fahr. 

Bouquet. 


Ste. Marie. 
G2.2 Fahr. 
Bouquet. 


Solids. 


Grains. 
1.401 

24.484 
1.990 
0.116 

traces. 

3.5S6 

0.010 

3.416 

2.782 

traces. 

traces. 
0.021 
0.248 

traces. 


Grains. 
1.450 




26.200 




2.003 




0.281 








3.508 




0.010 




3.307 




2.482 












0.021 


Silica 


0.182 










Total 


38.054 

Cubic in. 
27.33 


39.414 


Gas. 


Cubic in. 
25.35 







Properties. — These waters, as will be seen on comparison 
of analyses, are of the same character as the Grande Grille. 
Says Durand-Fardel : " The waters of Cusset take part in the 
regimen of Vichy ; their origin is without doubt identical ; 
their composition and their therapeutic applications are ob- 
viously the same." It should be noticed, however, that the 
Ste. Marie well is stronger in iron than any other waters of 
Vichy. These waters bear transportation exceedingly well. 

Remarks. — The wells of Cusset are not quite two miles 
distant from Vichy. They were bored about the year 1860, 
the Ste. Marie having been sunk to the depth of 379 feet, and 
the Elizabeth to the depth of 295 feet. 



VICTOR SPRING. 

Location and Post-Office. — Darien Centre, Genesee County, New York. 
Access. — Darien is a station on the Erie Railroad, twenty-five miles east 
of Buffalo, from which the spring is one mile and a half distant. 
Hotel. — Boarding-house. 

-According to an analysis by Prof. Hadley, this 

Dictiomiaire des Eaux Minerales," par Durand-Fardel, tome i., p. 519. 



406 MINERAL SPRINGS. 

water contains 105 grains of solid constituents in a pint. It 
is said to be rich in chlorides, bromides, iodides, and iron. 

Properties. — The water is pleasant to the taste and seems 
to belong to the alkaline-saline class. 



z. 

ZEM-ZEM SPBINGS. 

Location. — Napa County, California, on Etiquary Creek, forty miles from 
Napa City. 

Access. — By direct road to Clear Lake, via, Berryessa Valley. 

Analysis. — An incomplete one shows the water to con- 
tain sulphur, iron, and magnesia, in considerable quantity. 
The water is cold and very palatable, temperature 64° Fahr. 

Remarks. — The peculiar name of this spring is that of 
" the holy well in Mecca." 



GE1SFEEAL INDEX 



^* PAGE 

Abdominal plethora 181 

Acid, apocrenic 60 

boracic 60 

carbonic 63 

in baths 64 

crenic 60 

fluohydric 60 

nitric 60 

organic 60 

Acne 107 

Action of mineral waters 36 

Bareges 356 

Bigorre 368 

Carlsbad 363 

Contrexville 367 

Ems 343 

Gastein 370 

Kissingen 347 

Luchon 358 

Schlangenbad 371 

Vichy 342 

Wiesbaden 348 

iEdipsus 1 

Ague (see Intermittent Fever). 

Albuminuria 101 

Algae 62 

Alibert, advice of 117 

Alkaline waters 144 

alterative action of 43 

immediate action of 41 

muriated 87 

Alum-waters 236 

Aluminous-chalybeate waters ... 78 

Amenorrhoea 102 

Analyses, imperfections of 48 

of seas 375 

Anasarca 78 

Anaemia 53, 80, 236 

Anchylosis 107, 285 

Ancient baths 1 

perfumes 7 

Antimony 60 

Aqua Solis 3 

Aquas grani 355 

Gratianae 356 



PAGE 

Aquas Mattiacae 349 

Arsenic 60 

Ascending douche 139 

Asthma 89 

Ataxia, locomotor 83 

Atlantic ocean 375 

B. 

Bad friesel 45 

Bad sturm 44, 130 

Baiae 2, 9 

Baregine 61 

Bath, carbonic acid 64, 142' 

cold 127 

fever 44, 130 

foot 140 

hot 132 

hot-air 135 

medicated 141 

mud 140 

Russian 134 

sand 69, 141 

shower 139 

sitz 139 

spout 139 

temperate 129 

tepid 129 

Turkish 136, 138 

vapor 134 

warm 129 

Baths, ancient 1-10 

Boman 3 

of Agrippa 4 

of Agrippina 9 

of Caracalla 4 

of Diocletian 4 

Bathing, sea 376 

time for 117 

Bicarbonates 51 

Biliary ducts, catarrh of 98 

Bitterwasser 362 

Bladder, catarrh of the . .100, 145, 268 

Blowing cave 323 

Boileau, letter of, to Racine 115 



408. 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Borax 60 

Bottling 113 

Bracciolini, Poggio, on Baden. . . 10 
Bright' s disease {see Albuminuria). 

Brine, graduated 352 

Brines 161 

Bromides 59 

Bronchitis, chronic 88, 145 

Brusa 3 

Bullet-wounds 110 



Cachectic diseases 66 

Calcic waters 268 

immediate action of 42 

Calculus 99, 268 

renal 100 

Cancer 78, 154 

Caracalla, baths of 4 

Carbonates , . . . 51 

Carbonic acid 63 

bath 64, 103, 142, 353, 361 

solvent powers of 49 

waters containing 42 

Carburetted hydrogen 65 

Cardialgia 93 

Caries 109 

Casotis 1 

Caspian Sea, analysis of. 375 

Catarrh of the biliary ducts 98 

bladder 100, 145, 268 

uterus 101 

Chalybeate waters 235 

alterative action of 44 

Change of air 37 

of scene 38 

Charles Biver, analysis of 15 

Chemical constituents 48 

Chlorides 54 

Chlorosis 80, 235 

Chronic diseases 66 

Classification of mineral waters. . 32 

authors 34 

French. 33 

German 32 

Clergymen's sore-throat 86 

Climatology of resorts 112 

Cold bath 127 

Colic, hepatic 96 

Color, of mineral waters 22 

Constipation 94 

Constituents of mineral waters. . 48 

Constitutional diseases 66 

Consumption 88, 90 

Consumptives, resorts for. . . 185, 296 

Contractions of muscles 108, 285 

Copper 60 

Coxalgia 109 

Crenic acid 60 

Crisis 115 



PAGB 

Croton Eiver, analysis of 15 

Cure, whey 118 

grape 118 

Customs in baths, ancient 6 

D. 

Dartrous diseases 104 

l)ax 2 

Dead Sea, analysis of the 375 

Deposits 51, 171 

Descending douche 139 

Diabetes mellitus 76, 145 

Diarrhoea, chronic 77, 236 

Diocletian, baths of 4 

Diseases, chronic 6Q 

surgical 107 

of the digestive organs 90 

of the heart 85 

of the liver 95, 262 

of the nervous system 81 

of the respiratory organs .... 85 

of the skin 104 

of the urinary organs 98 

of the uterus 101 

Douche, the 138 

Drinking mineral waters 114 

Dropsy 78 

of joints 108 

Drowned, resuscitation of the. . . 378 

Dysentery, chronic 77 

Dysmenorrhoea 103 

Dyspepsia 90, 145, 161, 268 

E. 

Earthquakes, effect of, on springs 50 

Eczema 105, 236 

Electricity 26 

Elevation, of resorts 112 

Engorged liver 95, 180 

European spas 372 

Extracts of waters 113 

F. 

Fan douche 139 

Fatty liver 97 

Ferruginea, Gallionella 62 

Flag rock 323 

Fluorides 60 

Foot-bath 140 

French military hospitals 110 

Fumigation 141 

G. 

Gall-stones 96, 145, 161, 262 

Gallionella Ferruginea 62 

Gambling at Baden 12 

Gastein-water, action of 370 

Gastralgia 93 



INDEX. 



409 



PAGE 

Gastric catarrh 92, 145, 262 

Gastric ulcer 93 

Gastritis, chronic 91, 145, 262 

Glairine 61 

Gout 68, 69, 144, 161, 181, 262, 285 

Graduated brine 352 

Grape-cure 118 

Gravel 98,144, 268 

H. 

Hematuria 100 

Hemorrhoids 94, 181 

Hadrian, anecdote of 7 

Hall's, Marshall, method of re- 
suscitating the drowned. . . 378 

Heart, diseases of the 85 

Hemiplegia. 81 

Hepatic colic 96 

Herpetic diseases 104 

Hip-joint disease 109 

Horace, quotation from 2 

Hospitals, military, at springs. . . 110 

Hot-air bath 135 

Hot bath 132 

Hot sand douche 69 

Hydrarthrosis 108 

Hydrosin 61, 62 

Hydrogen, carburetted 65 

sulphuretted 64 

Hypochondria 85 

Hysteria 84 

I. 

Icterus {see Jaukdioe). 

Impetigo 105 

Intermittent fever 77 

springs 21 

Invalids, advice to 112, 116, 117 

Iodides 58 



J. 

James, Constantine, on Leuk 12 

Jaundice 98, 145, 161 

Joints, stiffened 68 

K. 

Kedzie, on magnetic wells 29 

Kidneys, Bright' s disease of the. . 101 

Kreuznach treatment 352 

L. 

Laryngeal catarrh 86 

phthisis 88 

Laryngitis, chronic 85 

Laws concerning ancient baths. . 8 
11 



Lead 60 

Letters, to proprietors of resorts 112 

Leucorrhcea 103, 236 

Lichen 106, 286 

Liver, engorged 95, 262 

fatty 97 

M. 

Magnetism 27 

Medicated baths 141 

Mediterranean Sea 375 

Menstruation, painful 103 

suppression of 102 

Metallic poisoning, chronic. . .75, 181 

Metritis, chronic 101 

Mineral springs, life at 114 

Mineral water, action of 36 

action of Bareges 356 

action of, Bigorre 368 

action of, Carlsbad 363 

action of Contrexville 367 

action of, Ems 343 

action of, Gastein 370 

action of, Kissingen 347 

action of, Luchon 358 

action of Schlangenbad 371 

action of, Vichy 342 

action of, Wiesbaden 348 

bottling 113 

classification of 34 

color of 22 

constituents of 48 

definition of 14 

electricity in 26 

extracts of 113 

invariability of constitution of 50 

magnetism of 27 

odor of 23 

prescription of Ill 

salts of 113 

soaps 113 

taste of 23 

temperature of 24 

texture of 24 

time for drinking 114 

treatment by 113 

Monas sulfuraria 62 

Montaigne, on Baden 10 

Mother-lye 162, 352 

Mud bath, mineral. .140, 290, 350, 

359, 366 
Musa 2 

N. 

Necrosis 109 

Neuralgia 83, 285 

Nitrates 60 

Nitrogen 65 

North Sea, analysis of the 375 



410 



INDEX. 



O. 

PAGE 

Odor of mineral waters 23 

Oiliness of waters 24 

Old wounds 110, 181 

Organic acids 60 

Organic matter 24, 42 

substances 61 

Oscillaires 62 

Oxygen 65 

P. 

Paralysis 81, 161, 286 

Paraplegia 82, 285 

Peaks of Otter 259 

Pepys, on baths . ., 11 

Perfumes, ancient 7 

Petrified forest 290 

Pharyngitis, chronic 88 

Phosphates 59 

Phthysis, laryngea 88 

Piles (see Hjsmoerhoids). 

Pityriasis 106 

Pliny, on springs 2, 21 

Poussee, la 45 

Prescription of waters Ill 

Prurigo 107 

Psoriasis 106, 286 

Psydracia thermalis 45 

Purgative waters 261 

R. 

Eenal calculus 100 

Inspiratory organs, diseases of 

the, 85 

Resorts, climatology of 112 

early 171 

elevation of 112 

recreations at 114 

Eheumatism 67, 69, 161, 181, 285 

King douche 139 

Rivers, analyses of 15 

Rule, as to diseases 66 

as to time for treatment 66 

Russian bath 134 

S. 

Saline waters 160 

alterative action of 44 

Salts, Crab Orchard 263 

Epsom 261 

of mineral waters 113 

Sand-bath 141 

douche 69 

Schuylkill River, analysis of the. . 15 

Scrofula 78, 161, 236 

Scrofulous skin-diseases 107 

Sea-air 373 

bath 376 

water 374 



PAGE 

Sea-side resorts 373 

Atlantic City 382 

Cape May 381 

Chelsea Beach 380 

Coney Island 381 

Cushing's Island 379 

Hampton Beach 380 

Long Branch 381 

Nahant 380 

Naragansett Pier 380 

Newport 380 

Rockaway 381 

Rye Beach 279 

Swampscott 380 

Sedlitz powders 363 

Seneca, description of Baise 9 

on ancient baths 7 

Shasta's peak 238 

Shower-bath 139 

Silicates 59 

in glairines 61 

in sulfuraria 62 

waters containing 24 

Sitz-bath 139 

Skin, anatomy of the 120 

diseases of the 104 

function of the 122 

normal condition of the 125 

Soaps, mineral water 113 

Soda-water 63 

Spas, European 341 

Spout-bath 139 

Springs, ascending 19 

descending 20 

intermittent 21 

origin of 14 

Tuscan, geological section of 20 

Saratoga, geological section of 18 

St. Lawrence River, analysis of.. 15 

St. Nicholas 1 

St. Patricus, on hot springs 26 

Sterility 103, 276 

Stiff joints 68, 181 

Stone (see Calculus). 

Substitution, cure by 45 

Sulfuraria 61 

Sulfurhydrine 61 

Sulphates 57 

Sulphur-waters 180 

alterative action of 44 

immediate action of 42 

Sulphuretted hydrogen 64 

Surgical, diseases 107 

Swope's Mountain 230 

Syphilis 73,75,181, 286 

Syphilitic skin-diseases 107 



Tarbellum 

Taste of mineral waters . 



INDEX. 



411 



PAGE 

Tekaharawa Falls 210 

Temperate bath 129 

Temperature atBeershebaSprings 250 

Healing springs 326 

Kockbridge Alum 255 

Santa Barbara 299 

Sweet Chalybeate 253 

of the bath 130 

of mineral waters 24 

Tepid bath 129 

Texture of waters 24 

Therapeutics 66 

Thermal waters 284 

action of 44, 285 

Thermopylae 1 

Time for using mineral waters. . . 66 

Tin 60 

Treatment, preliminary 115 

time required for 115 

to commence 11'3 

Trousseau, quotation from 45 

Tufa 51,171 

Turkish bath 136 

Tuscan springs, section of 20 

Tyndall, on thermo-electricity. . . 285 

U. 

Ulcer, chronic 109 

gastric 93 

Ulcerations of the uterus 101 



PAGE 

Unclassified waters 331 

Universal douche 139 

Urinary organs, diseases of the. . 98 
Uterus, diseases of the 101 

V. 

Vapor-bath 134 

Vesical catarrh 100 

W. 

"Warm bath 129 

Washington's property at Berke- 
ley 279 

"Water, absorption of 40 

action of 40, 96 

in the body 39 

of constitution 43 

properties of 14 

soda 63 

"Whey, action of. 87 

cure 118, 372 

White swelling 109 

W omb, diseases of the (see Uterus). 

Wounds, old 110 

Z. 

Zinc 60 

Zymotic diseases 66 



AMEEIOAN SPEINGS 



" A " Spring, Saratoga, N. Y. . . . 174 

Abenaquis, N. EL. . . . 337 

Adams, Cal 333 

Adams County, 247 

Agua Caliente, N. M 309 

Alabaster Cave, Cal 51, 331 

Albany, Artesian, N. Y 179 

Alburg, Vt 217 

""" Alleghany, Va 279 

Alpena, Mich 28, 201 

Amherst, N. H 338 

Augusta, Va \. 257 

Avon, N. Y 208 

Bailey, Ala 236 

Ballston, N. Y 176 

Bartlett, Cal 333 

Bath Alum, Va 256 

"•^Bedford, Pa 264 

Bedford, Ky 199 

Bedford Alum, Va 259 

Beer, Or 266 

Beersheba, Term 250 

Berkeley, W. Va 171, 277 

Berkeshire Soda, Mass 335 



I Bethesda, Wis 

Bethesda, Ga 

Big Bone, Kv 

Birch Dale, N. H 

Bladon, Ala 

Blossburg, Pa 

Blount, Ala 

Blue Lick, Upper, Ky. 
Blue Lick, Lower, Ky. 

Blue Kidge, Va 

Blue Sulphur, W. Va. . 

Botetourt, Va 

Bradford, N. H 

Buffalo, Va 

Burner's, Va 

Butterworth's, Mich.. 



193 
337 
146 
248 
182 
191 
192 
339 
234 
223 
338 
222 
225 



Caledonia, Can 163, 

Calistosra, Cal 

Capon^W. Va., 

Capper's, Va. .# 

Carlisle, Pa 

Catoosa, Ga 

Central, Vt 

Charleston, Artesian, S. C 




412 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Charlotsville, Can 186 

Cherry Valley 210 

Chittenango, 1ST. Y 206 

Church Hill, Va 258 

Clarendon, Vt 274 

Clifton, N. Y 211 

Cold White Sulphur, Va 224 

^^^^Columbia, N. Y 212 

Columbian, N. Y 173 

Congress, Cal 147 

Congress, N. Y 50, 172 

Cooper's Well, Miss 244 

Coyner's, Va 222 

Crab Orchard, Ky 262 

Cresson, Pa 248 

Crystal, Cal 334 

Crystal, N. Y 174 

Daggar's, Va 226 

Des Chutes, Or 316 

De Soto, La 200 

Dibrell's, Va 226 

Drennon, Ky 199 

Dryden, N. Y 205 

Eaton Eapids, Mich 28, 270 

Eggleston's, Va 223 

Elgin, Vt 267 

Ellis, N. Y 174 

Empire, N. Y 173" 

Esculapia, Ky 195 

Estill, Ky 197, 241, 262 

Eureka, N. Y 174 

Excelsior, Saratoga, N. Y 174 

Excelsior, Syracuse, N. Y 176 

Fauquier, Va 224 

Fayette, Pa 249 

Flint, Mich 336 

Fox, Ky 197 

French Lick, Ind. 186 

Fruit Port, Mich 167 

Fry's Soda, Cal 238 

Gettysburg, Pa 273 

Peyser, N. Y 28, 63, 175 

Geysers, Cal 290 

Geysers, Wyo 51, 326 

Gilroy, Cal 303 

Glenn, S. C 215 

Grand Ledge, Mich 337 

Great Salt Lake, Utah 215 

-*JGreen Brier, W. Va. . .• 227 

Green Castle, Ind 240 

Green Cove, Fla 185 

Grayson, Ky 195 

Grayson, Va 226 

Hamilton, N. Y 173 

Harbine's, Cal 334 

Harrodsburg, Ky 264 



1 "Hathorn, N. Y 174 

HHealing, Va 80, 323 

High Eock, N. Y 51, 170 

Highgate, Vt 219 

Holston, Va 282 

Hopkinton, Mass 242 

Hot, Ark 286 

Hot, Va 317 

Hubbardston, Mich 272 

Huguenot, Va 225 

Idaho, Col 304 

Indian, Ga 189 

Indian, Ind 188 



Jordan's, Va. 



218 



Knightstown, Ind 242 

Lafayette, Ind. 190 

Lake Sulphur, N. Y 174 

Lake Tahoe, Cal 303 

Lansing, Mich 164 

Latonia, Ky 337 

Lebanon, N. Y 310 

Leslie, Mich 271 

Lodi, Ind 189 

Longmuir's, N. Y 209 

Louisville, Artesian, Ky 198 

Lower Blue Lick, Ky 1 92 

Lower Soda, Or 153 

Madison, Ga 241 

Massena, N. Y 204 

Middle Park, Col 305 

Middletown, Vt 157 

Midland, Mich 266 

Mineral, N. J 247 

Mineral, 247 

Minnequa,_ Pa 214 

Missisquoi, Vt 156 

Montgomery, Va 224 

Montvale, Tenn 249 

Napa Soda, Cal 334 

Newbury, Vt 220 

Oak Orchard, N. Y 58, 245 

Ocean, Miss 245 

Old Sweet, W. Va 24, 268, 275 

Olympian, Ky .... 196 

Oranee, Fla 335 

Orkney, Va 340 

Owosso, Mich 243 

Parkersbunr, W. Va 339 

Paroquet, Ky 194 

Paso Bobles," Cal 293 

Pavilion, N. Y 173 

Perry, 111 148 

Piedmont, Cal 184 



INDEX. 



413 



PAGE 

Piedmont, Tex , 338 

Plantagenet, Can 163 

Puebla, Nev 51, 312 

Pulaski, Va 255 

Putnam, N. Y 173 

Eawlcy, Va 250 

Ked, N.Y 174 

Eed Sulphur, Ga 135 

W. Va 62, 89, 231 

Eed Sweet, Ya 51, 251 

Pvichfield, N.Y 207 

Boanoke Ked Sulphur, Ya 226 

^.^^Eockbridge Alum, Va 20, 80, 253 

Baths, Va 157 

Bocky Mountain, Col 335 

Salt Lake, Utah 320 

Salt Sulphur, W. Ya 229 

San Bernardino, Cal 301 

Sandwich, Can 182 

San Eufael, Cal 334 

Santa Barbara. Cal 295 

Saratoga, N.Y 168 

Sehooley's Mountain. N. J 243 

Schuvler Co., 111. 242 

Seltzer, Cal 148 

N. Y, 173 

Seven Fountains, Ya 225 

Shannondale, W. Va 340 

Sharon, N.Y 202, 247 

Sheldon, Vt 7S, 153, 156 

Shocco, N. C 213 

Sitka, Alaska 216 

Skaggs, Cal 303 

Spring Lake. Mich 28, 166 

St. Catherine, Can 161 

St. Leon, Can. . .' 334 

St. Louis, Mich 28, 150 

St. Louis, Artesian, Mo 167 

Stafford, Conn 239 

Star, N. Y 173 

Stribling's, Va 220, 257 



PAGB 

Summit, Cal 332 

Sweet, W. Va 24, 263, 275 

Sweet Chalybeate 251 

Toorus, Me 336 

Trfnitv, Ind 190 

Tuscan, Cal 19, 332 

United States, N. Y 174 

Upper Blue Lick, Ky 191 

Vallejo, Cal 134 

Vallonia, N. Y 333 

Varennes. Can 335 

Variety, Va 260 

Vermo'nt, Vt 156 

Versailles, 111 149 

Vichy, Cal 333 

Volcano, Nev 313 

Warm, Ga 310 

N. C 307 

Va. . . ... 24, 321 

Warner's Banch* Cal.*."".*.".*.*.**. . . 300 

Warren, N. C 213 

Washington, N.Y. . . . ; 173 

Welden, Yt 157 

West Baden, Ind 187 

White, N. Y 173 

White Sulphur, Cal 184 

La 200 

N. C 214 

N. Y 212 

213 

Greenbrier, W. Va 227 

Montgomery, Ya 224 

Saratoga, N. Y 174 

and Tar, Ky 200 

Wilhoit's, -Or 173 

Yellow, O '. 272 

Yellow Sulphur, Va 221 

York, Pa 215 



EUROPEAN SPAS 



Belgium. 
Spa 360 

England. 

Aqua Solis 3 

Jkith , 3 

CJifton 50 

Epsom 57, 261 

France. 
Aix 8 



Aix-la-Chapelle , 354 

Aix-les-Bains 3, 855 

Bagneres-de-Bigorre 3, 46, 367 

Bagneres-de-Luchon 3, 355. 358 

Bareges 61, 353,' 355 

Bourbonne-les-Bains 56, 346 

Cauterets 133 

Celles 156 

Challes 75, 229 

Contrexville, 97, 367 

Eaux Bonnes 86 

Forbach 91 

Mont-Dore 46 



414 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Neris 46 

Niederbronn 91 

Plombieres 46, 370, 372 

Pougues 46, 91, 97 

Vals 71, 97 

MMwVichy 46, 71, 76, 91, 97, 144, 341 

Germany. 

Baden-Baden 12, 56, 349 

Bilin 49 

— .Carlsbad. .71, 76, 85, 91, 92, 95-98, 

100, 261, 362 

Diirckheim 56, 164 

Eger 73 

Eilsen 205 

Ems 86, 97, 341, 343 

Eachingerj 341, 345 

Eranzensbad 141, 366 

. -Friedrichsb alle 100, 362 

Gastein 26, 50, 73, 82, 83, 370 

Gleichenberg 86 

Homburg 78, 95, 346 

Ischel 79 

-—Karlsbad (see Carlsbad). 

Kissingen. .73,85, 91, 95, 96, 98, 364, 347 

Kosen 79 

Krankenbeil 113 

Kreuznach 79, 162, 351 

Marienbad. .85, 92, 95, 98, 100, 362, 365 

Meinberg 354 

Nauheim 91, 351, 353 

Nenndorf. 209, 354 

Obersalzbrunnen 86 

-** Pullna 362 

Pyrmont 360 

Schlangenbad 370 

Schwalbach 360 

Sedlitz 363 

Selters 346, 350 

Soden 91 

Toplitz 50, 82, 83, 100, 370 

Wiesbaden 3, 346, 348 



Wildbad 73, 82, 83, 192 

Wildungen 367, 369 

Wittekind 79 



-^ Greece. 

iEdipsus l 

Casotis l 

St. Nicholas 1 

Thermopylae l 



Iceland. 



Geysei 



22 



Italy. 

iEnaria 9 

Baise 2, 9 

Ischia 2 

Pliniana 21 

Sineusa 2 

Spain. 

Alhama 3 

Caldas . 3 

Switzerland. 

Baden 3, 10 

Ene-stlebrunnen 21 

Leuk 11,367 

Pfaffers 73,82,83 

Eagatz 83 

Saxon 50, 75 

St. Moritz 360 

Tarasp 361 

Wildegg 75 

Wyh 361 



Turkey. 



Brusa 



APPENDIX.— LATER ANALYSES OF SPRINGS. 



Adams 383 

Birch-dale 384 

Blue Bidge 385 

Borax 386 

Calistoga 387 

Canada 387 

Catoosa 388 

Caxton 389 

Cherry Valley 390 

Geyser Spa 390 

Glacier 390 

Green •. . 391 

Harbin 392 

Highland 392 

Jordan Alum 393 

Manitou 394 

Massanetta 395 



Napa Soda 396 

Orkney 397 

Seigler 398 

Slaterville 399 

Spencer 400 

St. Helena White Sulphur 400 

Summit Soda 401 

S wayne's Mammoth 401 

Triton 402 

Tule Kiver Soda 402 

Union 403 

Valhermoso 404 

Vichy, California 404 

Vichy.. 404 

Victor 405 

Zem-Zem 406 



THE REPUTATION 

Which the celebrated SELTZER SPRLNG of Germany has maintained during many 
years, for the therapeutic value of its waters, is a fact well understood by the medical 
profession. The testimony of large numbers receiving benefit from their use is con- 
clusive proof as to their efficacy. 




SELTZEIt 




Is an artificial combination of the essential elements of these waters, as ascertained 
by strict chemical analysis, discarding those substances which are inert, and retain- 
ing those only which have a positive therapeutic value. 

These waters belong to that class known as ACIDrLO-ALKALLNE, which owe 
their medicinal virtues to the Carbonic Acid and to the Salines in combination. 
Hence they act chiefly on the digestive, renal, and nervous system. 

AS A SALINE CATHARTIC, 

We especially recommend our preparation to the careful consideration of physicians. 
In all disordered conditions of the digestive organs, especially when connected with 
hepatic derangement ; in those congested states of the alimentary canal and append- 
ages peculiar to warm seasons and tropical climates ; in the various forms nf Dys- 
pepsia, including Constipation, Acidity, Heartburn, etc. ; in Uterine disease, 
connected with an inactivity of the large" intestines ; as also in the nausea of preg- 
nancy; in febrile conditions; in short, in all those types of disease where Saline 
Purgatives are indicated, we have no hesitation in recommending it as a mild yet 
efficacious cathartic. 

AS A DIURETIC, 

Its action is none the less marked, for. in diminished doses, its influence is trans- 
ferred to the rtnal system. Hence in Rheumatism, Gout, Dropsv, and Diseases of 
the Urinary System, the SELTZER APERIENT can be relied upon to correct the 
acidity of the urine, and promote a copious renal secretion. 

AS A PALATABLE CATHARTIC, 

Our preparation is surpassed by no other. It completely removes that horror and 
disgust so often expressed in taking saline cathartics. Instead of nauseating a deli- 
cate stomach, it is cooling, refreshing, invigorating, making it especially desirable 
in that class of diseases where salines are administered in frequent and long-con- 
tinued doses. It is 

CONVENIENT FOR ADMINISTRATION. 

Beius in a pulverized form, it only requires the addition of water to create at once 
a sparkling and refreshing beverage. 

IT HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME 

Successfully, and has received the flattering commendation of many eminent physi- 
cians, who have proved its adaptability to the diseases for which it is recommended 
above. 



E^~ FOB SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS. 



THE 

CONGRESS AND EMPIRE 

Spring Waters of Saratoga 

ARE THE BEST OF ALL THE SARATOGA WATERS FOR THE 
USE OF PERSONS OF CONSTIPATED HABIT. 

They act promptly and pleasantly, without producing debility, and their 
effect is not weakened by continued use, as is the case with ordinary cathar- 
tics. At the same time, they are not too cathartic — a fault with some of our 
more drastic mineral waters — but sufficiently so for daily and healthful use, 
and not strong enough to produce reaction. 

Their continued use keeps the blood in a very pure and healthful condi- 
tion, producing a clear florid. They preserve the tone of the stomach, and 
are powerful preventives of fever and bilious complaints. 

THE COLUMBIAN SPRING WATER 

Is universally acknowledged to be the best Chalybeate Water known. Where 
the blood requires Iron, this water supplies it in the best possible form for 
use. The assimilation is perfect. A grain of iron in this water is, in the 
opinion of a celebrated physician, " more potent than twenty grains exhibited 
according to the Pharmacopozia" 

These waters, being purely natural, are highly recommended, and very 
frequently prescribed by the best medical authorities, many of whom, how- 
ever, have expressed their condemnation in strong terms of the use of artifi- 
cial mineral waters. 

Every genuine bottle of Congress Water has a large " C " raised on 
the glass. 

FOR SALE BY DRUGGISTS AND HOTELS throughout the country. 

None Genuine Sold on Draught. 

At our General Mineral Water Depot, in New York, all varieties of Natu- 
ral Waters for sale at proprietors' prices, delivered and shipped in New York, 
Brooklyn, and Jersey City, free of charge. 

Orders by mail will receive prompt attention. Empties taken back and 
allowed for at liberal prices. Address 

CONGRESS AND EMPIRE SPRING CO., 

94= Chambers St,, Neiv Yovte City, 

Or, SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. 

m^f" In connection with a recent analysis of Congress Water, Professor 
Chandler says : 

"As a Cathartic water, its almost entire freedom from iror, should recommend it 
above all others, many of which contain so much of this ingredient as to seriously 
impair their usefulness." 



CUSSET VICHY WATERS. 

ELIZABETH, STE. MARIE, 

Alkaline, Magnesian Spring. Alkaline, Ferro-Manganic 



These waters, which have their source in the same mineral bed from 
which spring the well-known Vichy waters, have no superiors among all the 
alkaline waters of Europe. Their decided excellence has been confirmed by 
the Academy of Medicine of Paris, with the declaration that they possess the 
same medicinal properties as the other Vichy springs, but that they are 
richer in Mineral constituents. 

The two springs, Elizabeth and Ste. Marie, represent the only two va- 
rieties of water found in the neighborhood of Vichy ; the Elizabeth waters 
being richest in Magnesia and Bicarbonate of Soda ; the Ste. Marie con- 
taining more Carbonic Acid, Iron, and Manganese, than any similar water. 

The waters of the Elizabeth Spring are recommended especially for 
Congestion of the Liver and Spleen, or Diseases of the Stomach, 
Kidneys, and Bladder, and for Gravel, Gout, and Rheumatism. 

Many patients, who had during several years vainly hoped to be relieved 
at other springs, have been entirely cured in one season by the use of the 
Elizabeth waters, and these results can only be attributed to the large quan- 
tities of Magnesia and Arsenic which they contain. 

The waters of the Ste. Marie Spring are very efficacious in Anaemia, 
Chlorosis, Intermittent Fevers, and very remarkable results have been 
obtained from their use in the treatment of Diabetes. 



Testimonials from Eminent Physicians and Chemists. 

"The Elisabeth Spring contains more Bicarb. Soda and five times more Magnesia than 
the other Vichy Waters. 

" Dr. C. H. HEKPra, of Metz. M. O. Heney, 

" Chief of the Laboratory and 
"Member of the Academy of Medicine, Paris.''' 1 
"The waters of the Elizabeth Spring are the only ones of all the Vichy Springs which, 
when transported to Paris, have not lost a single milligramme of their mineral constituents. 

"M. J. P. Bouquet, of the School of Mines, 
"In ' Chemical History of Mineral Waters of Vichy- Cusset.'" 
" The Ste. Marie and Elizabeth Waters should he preferred when they are to be used 
at a distance from the Springs. Dr. Trousseau." 

"In cases of Diabetes, when the deteriorated blood requires the use of iron, the Ste. 
Marie Water is to be preferred. 

" Dr. Fauconneau Dufbesne." 
"By their intrinsic value, and their perfect preservation after shipment, the Elizabeth 
and Ste. Marie Springs deserve to be placed in the first rank of the best of Vichv Springs. 

"Dr. C. K James." 
"The Elizabeth and Ste. Marie Springs retain their salts in perfect solution much 
longer than the old Celestins waters, which change less than any of the other Vichy Springs. 
This quality should secure for them a preference over all the waters containing Bicarbonate 
of Soda, while it assures to the establishment at Ste. Marie a great future, not only for the 
waters used at the Springs, but for the great sale which they will obtain by shipment, when 
physicians at a distance will be better acquainted with their properties. 

" Dr. A. Eotueeau, 
" On the principal Springs of Europe, p. 428." 



GENERAL AGENTS, 

E. FOUGERA &, CO., 

30 NORTH WILLIAM STEEET, NEW YORK. 

The Cusset Vichy Waters are for sale by druggists generally. Orders 
addressed to the Agents will meet with prompt attention. 



WEST BADEN SPRINGS, 

ORANGE COUNTY, INDIANA. 
The finest Saline-Sulphur Waters in the Western Country. Unequaled 
for the cure of Diseases of the Liver, Skin Diseases, Gout, Bheumatism, etc. See the 
analysis hy Prof E. T. Cox, State Geologist : 



Carbonate of Magnesia. 
" Soda.... 


-A-IN-A-ZLT^SI! 


3_ 

No. 1. 
Grains per gallon. 
47.0036 
1.3356 

!7497 

49.6601 

43.3881 

3.7296 

13.4190 

1.6436 

5.4096 

93.6026 

13.6878 

'8"7346 
0.1050 
0.5250 

Trace. 


No. 5. 

Groins per gallon. 

7.257 




11 640 




3.607 










22.350 




33.335 




38.127 




130.074 












97.456 




11.037 




7.358 
























Total 


282.9939 


362.241 



WARM AND COLD SULPHUR BATHS. 

Charges : $2.00 per day; $10.00 to $12.00 per week. Address, for Circulars, etc., 



Dr. J. A. LANE, Proprietor. 



EXCELSIOR SPRING, SARATOGA. 

Indorsed by Professor Fordyce Barker and J. "R. Wood, M. D., of New York ; S. 
H. Dickson, M. D., of Philadelphia ; and N. R. Smith, M. D., of Baltimore; as one of 
the first waters of Saratoga. 

ON DRAUGHT.— We have provided for the sale of this delightful water, on 
draught, hy means of our (patented November 5, 1867) Block- tin Reservoirs — the 
water being introduced by its own hydrostatic pressure, therefore retaining all the 
gas. and, when drawn at. the counter, is precisely as it flows from the spring. To guard 
against/rawtf, we supply all dealers with a fountain-stand, bearing on the base the 
words "Excelsior Spring Water, Saratoga, N. F." 

BOTTLED.- For sale in pints, 4 dozen in a box ; quarts, 2 dozen in a box. 

Send for Pamphlet, Circulars, etc. 

A. R. LAWRENCE & CO., Proprietors, 

Saratoga Springs, N. Y. 

METROPOLITAN HOTEL, 

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. 
J. B. TOGNI, Proprietor. O. L. KEBNE, Manager. 

GRAND NATIONAL HOTEL, 

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. 



GEO. McGINLEY, Proprietor. 



RAWLEY SPRINGS, 

Eleven miles from Harrisonburg, in Rockingham County, Virginia. This celebrated 
watering-place will be open for visitors on the first day of June, 1874, under the 
management of Jos. N. Woodward, Esq. The Water of the Springs is the strongest 
Chalybeate in the United States, and is peculiarly efficient in the diseases of females, 
while, as a tonic, its virtues are unsurpassed. Accommodations are all strictly first 
class. Since last season, another large and commodious Hotel has been erected, to 
meet the extraordinary patronage that was turned off last season. The completion 
of the Valley Road to Staunton gives a direct connection with the Chesapeake & 
Ohio Railroad at that point, thus saving Richmond visitors a stage-ride of twenty- 
five miles. There is a Telegraph-Office in the Hotel, Billiard-Saloon, Ten-pin Alley, 
Livery-Stable, good Bathing, and an excellent Bar. 

Rates of Board.— Per day, $2.50, per week, $15.00, per month, $60.00. Children 
under 12 years, and servants, half price. 

A. B. IRICK, President of Board of Directors. 

NEW YORK MEDICAL JOURNAL. 

JAMES B. HUNTER, M. D., Editor. 



This old and popular monthly journal, now in its twentieth volume, has greatly- 
increased facilities for placing monthly before the Profession the latest movements 
and discoveries in medicine, thus enabling the active practitioner, whose time for 
reading is limited, to keep pace with every advance in the art and science of his 
calling. 

A competent staff of experienced writers will cooperate with the editor in glean- 
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in the front rank of Medical Literature. 

Among the prominent features of the New York Medical Journal are the 
following: 

Original Communications from the leading men of the Profession ; articles 
which are widely quoted, and which leave their impress on the medical literature of 
the age. 

Clinical Reports of Extraordinary Cases, occurring in public and pri- 
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Profession. 

Notes of Practice in Metropolitan Hospitals, giving the most recent 
methods of treating medical and surgical cases adopted by the leading men of the day. 

Reports of the Progress of Medicine in the various departments— Ob- 
stetrics and Diseases of Women, Surgery, Therapeutics, Ophthalmology, etc. 

Proceedings of Societies, in which all the leading questions of the day af- 
fecting the Medical Profession are thoroughly discussed. 

Translations, prepared expressly for the Journal, from the latest German, 
French, Italian, and other foreign medical periodicals. 

Impartial Reviews and Notices of all recently-published works on medi" 
cine and kindred subjects, constituting an invaluable guide to those wishing to en- 
large their libraries. 



A new volume of the New York Medical Journal begins with the numbers for 
January and July of each year. Subscriptions may commence from any date. 

Terms, Four Dollars per Annum. 

The Journal will be sent on trial for three months for one dollar. 
A specimen copy will be sent on receipt of twenty-rive cents. 
Very favorable Club Rates made with any other journals. 
Remittances, invariably in advance, should be made to the Publishers. 
Subscribers to the New York Mbdical Journal can have any Foreign or Ameri- 
can Medical Journals at a liberal discount. Commutation rates furnished on appli- 



cation. 



D. APPLET0N & CO., 549 & 551 Broadway, N. Y. 



PURCELL, LADD & CO., Druggists, 

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, 

AGENTS FOE YIEGINIA SPRINGS WATERS, 

Have constantly on hand : 

ROCKBEIDGE ALUM WATER, 



WHITE SULPHUR WATER, 

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HEALING SPRINGS WATER, 

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ALLEGHANY WATER, 

Montgomery Co., Va. 
CAPON WATER, 

Hampshire Co., W. Va. 



Bath Alum and other Alum Springs of Virginia, and 

also the Waters from the Congress and other Saratoga Springs, 
Blue Lick, Ky* 9 Frederickshall Bitter Water, Vichy, 

Seltzers, etc. 

5@f~ Orders promptly attended to. 

Descriptive Pamphlets of the VIRGINIA SPRINGS WATERS furnished 
on application. 

THE 

POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY, 

CONDUCTED BY 

Professor E. L. YOUMANS, 

Is published in a large octavo, handsomely printed on clear type, and, when 
the subjects admit, fully illustrated. Among popular articles, covering the 
whole range of Natural Science, we have the latest thoughts and words of 
Herbert Spencer, and Professors Huxley, Tyndall, and R. A. Proctor. Since 
the start, it has proved a gratifying success to every friend of scientific prog- 
ress and universal education ; and those who believed that science could not 
be made any thing but dry study are disappointed. 
Remark what is said of it : 

" My deab Professor: Accept my thanks for the hound copies of The Popular 
Science Monthly. I take the numbers as they come, hut am glad to have them 
also in this form. I always thought that there was a great need for a popular maga- 
zine on science, better than a mere repository of stories about phenomena, and this 
you have grandly demonstrated. I was sure, also, that you were the right man to 
construct it, but you have done far Better than I expected. The Monthly is full of 
various matter for all classes of readers, discussed with eminent ability, and without 
sectarianism in science, or scientific bigotry. May its days be long ! 

"Yours truly, Henry Ward Beecher." 



Terms: $5 per Annum, or 50 cents per Number. 

Any person remitting $20 for four yearly subscriptions, wUT receive an 
extra copy gratis, or five yearly subscriptions for $20. 

Now ready, Vols. I., II., III., and IV., of The Popular Science Monthly, 
embracing the Numbers from 1 to 24 (May, 1872, to April, 1874). 4 vols., 
8vo. Cloth, $3.50 per vol. ; half morocco, $6.50 per vol. 

For sale, Binding Cases for Popular Science Monthly. Vols. I., II., 
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». APPLETON & CO., Pnblishers, 519 & 551 Broadway, N. T. 



CATOOSA SPRINGS, 

THE WONDERFUL FOUNTAINS OF HEALTH AND PLEASURE, 
The Brightest Spot in the Sunny South, 

Are located in the PIEDMONT REGION OF GEORGIA, twenty-five miles south- 
east of Chattanooga, Tenn., and within two miles of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. 
These Springs, fifty-two in number, embrace every variety of Mineral "Wa- 
ter found in the famous mountains of Virginia— White, Red, and Black Sulphur, 
Alleghany, All-Healing and Chalybeate, Magnetism, Soda, and Iodine ; as also the 
waters characterizing the Montvale Springs of Tennessee, and Indian Springs of 
Georgia ; all of which are to be found here in abundance, within the compass of this 
"Magic Vale, 11 affording a certain cure for Dyspepsia, Rheumatism, Gout, Liver- 
complaints, Scrofula, all kinds of Cutaneous Affections, and, in fact, every disease 
that human flesh is heir to. 

W. C. HEWITT & CO., Proprietors. 
THE MASSENA SPRING WATERS. 

Medical Opinion.— Says Dr. J. H. Grinnel, one of the leading physicians of 
St. Lawrence County: u As a practitioner of medicine, I regard the medical qualities 
of the Massena Waters of immense value for the cure of many diseases. The Waters 
have been analyzed, and found to contain a combination of medicinal agents that are 
of great importance to our profession. The Waters have been found hignly beneficial 
for the following diseases : Affections of the Kidneys and Liver, Scrofula, Chronic 
Dyspepsia, Diseases of the Skin, Loss of Appetite, General Debility, Chronic Oph- 
thalmia, Calculous Affections, and Chronic Rheumatism. I have seen hundreds of 
Jmtients afflicted with one or the other of these diseases who have received great re- 
ief, and many who have been completely restored to health, by the use of these 
Waters." 

The bottled waters may be had of the leading druggists, at the General Depot, No. 
363 Bowery, cor. Fourth St., N. Y., or direct from the Springs. 

JOHN W. SHEDDEN, Massena Springs, 

St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. 

J. W. R. Moore. Joseph Perrt. 

MOORE & PERRY, 

PROPRIETORS OP 

ORKNEY SPRINGS, 

SHENANDOAH CO., VIRGINIA. 

Maj. P. H. Woodward, of Virginia, Superintendent. Dr. Wm. Green, of Baltimore, 

Resident Physician. 
Daily Mails and Telegraph- Office in the Hotel. Railroad Companies issue Through and 
Excursion Tickets at reduced rates. 
Terms of Board. — Per day, $2.50: per week, $14; per month, $50; per two 
months, $45; per three months, $40. 

SEA-SIDE HOTEL, 

BAY ST. LOUIS, MISS. 

This Summer Resort is beautifully situated on shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and 
fifty miles from the city of New Orleans, having a frontage on the shore of 415 feet, 
with extensive buildings for the accommodation of 200 guests, amply shaded by live- 
oak, magnolia, and cedar trees, of stately growth, and the grounds extensive and 
very beautiful. The Bathing is salt, but not boisterous, and therefore in bath-houses. 
Bay St. Louis is the resort of the elite of New Orleans, there being a shell-road drive 
seven miles in extent on the margin of the shore. 

Terms : $2 per day, or $50 per month. Children and servants, half price. 

N. B.— The New Orleans & Mobile Railroad passes through Bay St. Louis. 

A. R. TOWN. 



MEDICAL WORKS PUBLISHED BY D, APPLETON & CO. 

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Beltevue and Charity Hospital Reports. 1 vol., 8vo. Cloth, $4.00, 

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DESCRIPTIVE SOCIOLOGY. 



Mb. Herbert Spencer has been for several years engaged, with the aid of 
three educated gentlemen in his employ, in collecting and organizing the facts 
concerning all orders of human societies, which must constitute the data of a true 
Social Science. He tabulates these facts so as conveniently to admit of ex- 
tensive comparison, and gives the authorities separately. He divides the races 
of mankind into three great groups : the savage races, the existing civilizations, 
and the extinct civilizations, and to each he devotes a series of works. The 
first installment, 

THE SOCIOLOGICAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND, 

in seven continuous tables, folio, with seventy pages of verifying text, is now 
ready. This work will be a perfect Cyclopaedia of the facts of Social Science, 
independent of all theories, and will be invaluable to all interested in social 
problems. Price, five dollars. This great work is spoken of as follows : 

From the British Quarterly Review. 
"No words are needed to indicate the immense labor here bestowed, or the great 
sociological benefit which such a mass of tabulated matter done under such competent 
direction will confer. The work will constitute an epoch in the science of comparative 
sociology." 

From the Saturday Review. 

" The plan of the ' Descriptive Sociology ' is new, and the task is one eminently fitted 
to be dealt with by Mr. Herbert Spencer's faculty of scientific organizing. His object is 
to examine the natural laws which govern the development of societies, as he has ex- 
amined in formei parts of his system those which govern the development of individual 
life. Now, it is obvious that the development of societies can be studied only in their 
history, and that general conclusions which shall hold good beyond the limits of particu- 
lar societies cannot be safely drawn except from a very wide range of facts. Mr. Spen- 
cer has therefore conceived the plan of making a preliminary collection, or perhaps we 
should rather say abstract, of materials which when complete will be a classified epi- 
tome of unive. sal history." 

From the London Examiner. 

"Of the treatment, in the main, we cannot speak too highly; and we must accept 
has a wonderfully successful first attempt to furnish the 6tudent of social science with 
data standing toward his conclusions in a relation like that in which accounts of the 
structures and functions of different types of animals stand to the conclusions of the 
biologist." 



Opinions of the Press on the "International Scientific Series" 



Tyndall's Forms of Water. 

I vol., l2mo. Cloth. Illustrated Price, $1.50. 

"In the volume now published, Professor Tyndall has presented a noble illustration 
of the acuteness and subtlety of his intellectual powers, the scope and insight of his 
scientific vision, his singular command of the appropriate language of exposition, and 
the peculiar vivacity and grace with which he unfolds the results of intricate scientific 
research." — N. Y. Tribune. 

" The ' Forms of Water,' by Professor Tyndall, is an interesting and instructive 
little volume, admirably printed and illustrated. Prepared expressly for this series, it 
is in some measure a guarantee of the excellence of the volumes that will follow, and an 
judication that the publishers will spare no pains to include in the series the freshest in- 
vestigations of the best scientific minds." — Boston Journal. 

" This series is admirably commenced by this little volume from the pen of Prof. 
Tyndall. A perfect master of his subject, he presents in a style easy and attractive his 
methods of investigation, and the results obtained, and gives to the reader a clear con- 
ception of all the wondrous transformations to which water is subjected." — Churchman. 



II. 

Bagehot's Physics and Politics. 

1 vol., i2mo. Price, $1.50. 

" If the ' International Scientific Series ' proceeds as it has begun, it will more than 
fulfil the promise given to the reading public in its prospectus. The first volume, by 
Professor Tyndall, was a model of lucid and attractive scientific exposition ; and now 
we have a second, by Mr. Walter Bagehot, which is not only very lucid and charming, 
but also original and suggestive in the highest degree. Nowhere since the publication 
of Sir Henry Maine's 'Ancient Law,' have we seen so many fruitful thoughts sug- 
gested in the course of a couple of hundred pages. . . . To do justice to Mr. Bage- 
hot's fertile book, would require a long article. With the best of intentions, we are 
conscious of having given but a sorry account of it in these brief paragraphs. But we 
hope we have said enough to commend it to the attention of the thoughtful reader." — 
Prof. John Fiske, in the Atlantic Monthly. 

" Mr. Bagehot's style is clear and vigorous. We refrain from giving a fuller ac- 
count of these suggestive essays, only because we are s«re that our readers will find it 
worth their while to peruse the book for themselves ; and we sincerely hope that the 
forthcoming parts of the 'International Scientific Series' will be as interesting." — 
A theneeum. 

" Mr. Bagehot discusses an immense variety of topics connected with the progress 
of societies and nations, and the development of their distinctive peculiarities; and his 
book shows an abundance of ingenious and original thought' 1 — Alfked Russeh 
Wallace, in Nature. 

D. APPLETON & CO., Publishers, 549 & 551 Broadway, N. Y. 



\ 



Opinions of the Press on the "International Scientific Series" 



ill. 



Foods, 



By Dr. EDWARD SMITH. 
I vol., i2ino. Cloth. Illustrated Price, $1.75. 

In making up The International Scientific Series, Dr. Edward Smith was se- 
lected as the ablest man in England to treat the important subject of Foods. His services 
were secured for the undertaking, and the little treatise he has produced shows that the 
choice of a writer on this subject was most fortunate, as the book is unquestionably the 
clearest and best-digested compend of the Science of Foods that has appeared in our 
language. 

" The book contains a series of diagrams, displaying the effects of sleep and meals 
on pulsation and respiration, and of various kinds of food on respiration, which, as the 
results of Dr. Smith's own experiments, possess a very high value. We have not far 
to go in this work for occasions of favorable criticism ; they occur throughout, but are 
perhaps most apparent in those parts of the subject with which Dr. Smith's name is es- 
pecially linked." — London Examiner. 

"The union of scientific and popular treatment in the composition of this work will 
afford an attraction to many readers who would have been indifferent to purely theoreti- 
cal details. . . . Still his work abounds in information, much of which is of great value, 
and a part of which could not easily be obtained from other sources. Its interest is de- 
cidedly enhanced for students who demand both clearness and exactness of statement, 
by the profusion of well-executed woodcuts, diagrams, and tables, which accompany the 
volume. . . . The suggestions of the author on the use of tea and coffee, and of the va- 
rious forms of alcohol, although perhaps not strictly of a novel character, are highly in. 
structive, and form an interesting portion of the volume." — N. Y. Tribime. 



IV. 

Body and Mind. 

THE THEORIES OF THEIR RELATION. 

By ALEXANDER BAIN, LL. D. 

1 vol., i2mo. Cloth Price, $1.50. 

Professor Bain is the author of two well-known standard works upon the Science 
of Mind — "The Senses and the Intellect," and "The Emotions and the Will." He is 
one of the highest living authorities in the school which holds that there can be no sound 
or valid psychology unless the mind and the body are studied, as they exist, together. 

" Itcontains a forcible statement of the connection between mind and body, study- 
ing their subtile interworkings by the light of the most recent physiological investiga- 
tions. The summary in Chapter V., of the investigations of Dr. Lionel Beale of the 
embodiment of the intellectual functions in the cerebral system, will be found the 
freshest and most interesting part of his book. Prof. Bain's own theory of the connec- 
tion between the mental and the bodily part in man is stated by himself to be as follows : 
There is ' one substance, with two sets of properties, two sides, the physical and the 
mental — a double-faced unity.' While, in the strongest manner, asserting the union 
of mind with brain, he yet denies ' the association of union in place,' but asserts the 
union of close succession in time,' holding that ' the same being is, by alternate fits, un- 
der extended and under unextended consciousness." ' — Christian Register. 

D. APPLETON & CO., Publishers, 549 & 551 Broadway, N. Y. 



Opinions of the Press on the " International Scienti/ic Series, 



<es." 

1 



The Study of Sociology. 



By HERBERT SPENCER. 
I vol., i2mo. Cloth Price, $1.50. 

"The philosopher whose distinguished name gives weight and influence to this vol- 
ume, has given in its pages some of the finest specimens of reasoning in all its forms 
and departments. There is a fascination in his array of facts, incidents, and opinions, 
which draws on the reader to ascertain his conclusions. The coolness and calmness of 
his treatment of acknowledged difficulties and grave objections to his theories win for 
him a close attention and sustained effort, on the part of the reader, to comprehend, fol- 
low, grasp, and appropriate his principles. This book, independently of" its bearing 
upon sociology, is valuable as lucidly showing what those essential characteristics are 
which entitle any arrangement and connection of facts and deductions to be called a 
science. ' ' — Episcopalian. 

" This work compels admiration by the evidence which it gives of immense re- 
search, study, and observation, and is, withal, written in a popular and very pleasing 
style. It is a fascinating work, as well as one of deep practical thought." — Bost. Post. 

" Herbert Spencer is unquestionably the foremost living thinker in the psychological 
and sociological fields, and this volume is an important contribution to the science of 
which it treats. . . .It will prove more popular than any of its author's other creations, 
for it is more plainly addressed to the people and has a more practical and less specu- 
lative cast. It will require thought, but it is well worth thinking about." — Albany 
Evening- Journal. 

VI. 

The New Chemistry. 

By JOSIAH P. COOKE, Jr., 

Erving Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy in Harvard University. 
I vol., i2mo. Cloth . Price, $2.00. 

" The book of Prof. Cooke is a model of the modern popular science work. It has 
just the due proportion of fact, philosophy, and true romance, to make it a fascinating 
companion, either for the voyage or the study." — Daily Graphic. 

" This admirable monograph, by the distinguished Erving Professor of Chemistry 
ii rvard University, is the first American contribution to 'The International Scien- 
I cries,' and a more attractive piece of work in the way of popular exposition upon 

a ficult subject has not appeared in a long time. It not only well sustains the char- 
: eter of the volumes with which it is associated, but its reproduction in European coun- 
tries will be an honor to American science." — New York Tribune. 

" All the chemists in the country will enjoy its perusal, and many will seize upon it 
as a thing longed for. For, to those advanced students who have kept well abreast of 
the chemical tide, it offers a calm philosophy. To those others, youngest of the class, 
who have emerged from the schools since new methods have prevailed, it presents a 
generalization, drawing to its use all the data, the relations of which the newly-fledged 
fact-seeker may but dimly perceive without its aid. ... To the old chemists, Prof. 
Cooke's treatise is like a message from beyond the mountain. They have heard of 
changes in the science; the clash of the battle of old and new theories has stirred them 
from afar. The tidings, too, had come that the old had given way ; and little more than 
this they knew. . . . Prof. Cooke's ' New Chemistry ' must do wide service in bringing 
to close sight the little known and the longed for. ... As a philosophy it is elemen- 
tary, but, as a book of science, ordinary readers will find it sufficiently advanced."— 
Utica Morning Herald. 

D. APPLETON & CO., Publishers, 549 & 551 Broadway, N. Y. 



» 






